Calum Hill qualifies for Scottish Open

• Local teenager Calum Hill qualifies for the Scottish Open
• The 19-year-old had rounds of 64 and 68 on his home course
• “I felt really comfortable and played well,” said Hill

Local teenager Calum Hill secured a dream place at the Scottish Open at Gullane this week after securing one of five spots on offer at North Berwick.

The 19-year-old, who attended Merchiston Golf Academy under the stewardship of Alan Murdoch before gaining a scholarship to the University of Louisiana Monroe, came through the inaugural qualifier on his home course, after becoming a Tantallon member at the age of ten after cutting his golfing teeth on the town’s children’s course.

“It’s brilliant,” Hill beamed after displaying maturity beyond his years in following up a seven-under 64 with a polished 68 to claim the last spot.

“I’ve given myself something really exciting to look forward to now” – Calum Hill

“I’ve given myself something really exciting to look forward to now and I can’t wait to get along the road to Gullane tomorrow morning.”

Halfway through his scholarship, where he won his first US collegiate title back in April, Calum Hill lives around 500 yards from the historic West Links. His parents own a guest house in North Berwick and he had plenty of locals out supporting him in both rounds. “That was a lot of fun,” he said. “I felt really comfortable and played well.

“I was in the States when I heard this event was going to be held at North Berwick so I let the Scottish Golf Union know that I’d be keen to get one of the amateur spots. I was pretty excited when I got the shout as I felt confident that I could do really well around here.”

Also qualifying to play at Gullane this week are West Linton PGA pro Gareth Wright, who had a hole-in-one on the fourth in rounds of 64 and 66, Craig Sutherland, who was born and bred in the Orkneys but now lives in Kent, Tartan Tour No.1 Greig Hutcheon and Clydeway Golf’s Graham Fox.

Calum Hill :: Scottish Open

Can Calum Hill use local knowledge to his advantage and make the cut at Gullane? Leave your thoughts below.