JJ Spaun revealed people congratulating him on his U.S. Open victory remains a "pinch-me moment" as he aims to make an assault on the Genesis Scottish Open.
The 34-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise since the end of the 2024 campaign, beginning the season in 119th place in the Official World Golf Ranking before climbing to his current career-best of eighth.
That is due to his ultra consistent run of form, where he has missed just two cuts from 17 starts and recorded five top tens.
Spaun lost in a play-off to Rory McIlroy at the PLAYERS Championship in March, which saw his stock increase, before his stunning U.S. Open success last month.
All four reigning Major Champions are at the Renaissance Club this week, and Spaun opened up about how his experiences have changed since his brilliant triumph at Oakmont Country Club.
"It's been a complete 180. I've been out here for eight, nine years now, and you see the same guys but you notice a little bit of change in tone or I guess more of like respect," he said.
"You earn some respect out here, especially from the top guys. They engage a little bit more with you. Not that they are different with other players, but you kind of feel you're at a different level now, winning a Major.
"It feels good to earn that respect from my peers, and obviously the greatest players that are out here acknowledging me and making me feel like I belong, which is huge for confidence and huge for self-belief.
"It's nice to be out here and that confidence goes a long way, whether it's off the course or on the course. The reception and the fans and spectators, it's been incredible.
"I still can't fathom every time someone congratulates me for winning the U.S. Open. It's still a pinch-me moment that it's something that I did do.
"It's very cool, and I'm completely honoured to earn the respect from the other players and the fans and audience as well."
Spaun admitted even he is surprised by his "pretty crazy" upturn in form as he looks to soak up the atmosphere in North Berwick ahead of his Open Championship debut at Royal Portrush next week.
"It's just so cool to think about how far I've come and how much I've achieved just this season alone," he added.
"Like this ascent to a more elite level that I never really thought I would maybe get there; eventually, hopefully, one of these days I would, but to finally do it, it's pretty crazy.
"And also, being over here and just how much of like a worldwide effect I think it had, my finish at the U.S. Open, children here and fans here, obviously this is golf country, everyone is aware of what happened.
"But I'm just trying to soak it all in still and I try not to let it be like a victory lap sort of mentality, but it still feels that way."