SCOTS golfer Calum Hill dreams of tearing up his ticket to California after a sensational 65 at the Scottish Open.
The Fifer is one shot off the lead at the Renaissance Club and in a prime spot to earn one of three Open places up for grabs.
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Hill planned to play in the Barracuda Championship in the US rather than at Portrush.
But the 30-year-old boosted his chances of securing a last-gasp invite to the year’s final Major with an opening five under par on Thursday.
Referring to the PGA Tour event, Hill said: “I always say I’ll go to that one, and every year I finish on a Sunday disappointed I didn’t get into The Open and then never fly.
“But I’ve booked flights and I’m going. The Open would be a bonus. I’d love to play Portrush. It seems like a proper event.”
Hill, bidding for a third DP World Tour win after his maiden victory at the Cazoo Classic in 2021 and Joburg Open triumph earlier this year, admitted his game has been a bit up and down in recent months.
But there was no sign of that on Thursday as he compiled his five-under effort in the strongest field of the year after the Majors.
Hill believes having his family and friends watching on helped him relax a little more.
He added: “My wife’s kicked me for the last few months, saying this is just another event and to enjoy it more.
“So I’m just trying to be a little bit easier on myself, I would say, and obviously good golf helps with that.
“I generally play better when people are watching and for me it’s the best event we play all year, especially when it’s getting so big now.”
With Bob MacIntyre, Daniel Young and amateur duo Connor Graham and Cameron Adam the only Scots in the field for Portrush next week, Hill would be a welcome addition.
Defending champ MacIntyre was solid rather than spectacular on his way to a 68.
There was a time not so long ago when the Oban ace would have vented his frustration at three-putting the fourth — his 13th — but he kept the head instead of throwing a wobbly.
He explained: “It’s something I work hard on every week but it varies. The lid can still come off, don’t worry about that!
“But I’ve just got a level of performance now that I fully expect to achieve every day.
“I prepare as well as I can. A lot more gym work, a lot more warm-ups before I even start hitting shots. Before I used to just go and play.”
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Richie Ramsay signed for a 70, while Ewen Ferguson matched MacIntyre’s effort after getting to four under at one stage.
Grant Forrest, who only got into the field as first reserve, justified his inclusion with a 67, one fewer than recent KLM Open winner Connor Syme.
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