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As some of the world’s best line up at Royal Aberdeen for the Scottish Open, the Scots in the field are looking forward to flying the flag for the home nation.

Chris Doak is hoping to bounce back at the Scottish Open after missing the cut at the Alstom Open de France and the BMW International Open the past two weeks. The man from Greenock is feeling positive and believes Royal Aberdeen suites his game.

“Everyone goes into a tournament expecting to do well,” said Doak. “I played here many years ago and loved the course. It’s a great venue and I’m looking to do well.”

“I love playing links golf, I love everything about it.” – Chris Doak

It has been around a decade since ‘Doaky’, above, last donned his bonnet around the the Scottish Open’s venue, but he’s sure he will enjoy every minute of this week.

“This course is always in great condition. I think there have been a couple changes since I last played it. The 15th looks different, for example.

“I love playing links golf. I love everything about it. It’s what I grew up on.”

Scott Henry is another home hopeful readying himself for the Aberdeen test and he’s looking forward to the support he’ll receive from the crowd.

“I’m feeling good, to be honest. I’m playing pretty well,” said the Glaswegian, above. “I’ve not had many chances on the European Tour this year but, on the Challenge Tour, I’ve been playing well. I’m really looking forward to getting going.”

“Without doubt it is the best course I have played this year.” – Scott Henry

Some of Henry’s family and friends will also journey up to Aberdeen for the Scottish Open, giving the Scot a further boost.

“It’s definitely a lot of fun playing in front of a home crowd. There will be quite a lot of people coming up from home so it will be great fun,” said Henry.

Like Doak, the 27-year-old was full of praise for the Royal Aberdeen’s course.

“The course is awesome. Without doubt, it is the best course I have played this year. With the conditions, it’s just perfect and the layout is fantastic. It’s a good ‘old school’ links.”

Culverwell in good company at Scottish Open

Joining the pros at the Scottish Open is Zander Culverwell, winner of the 2013 Scottish Amateur Championship. The Stirling University student, above, knows competing against a host of major winners this week will stand him in good stead in his career going forward.

“It’s a great experience to be here, this is one of the best fields on the European Tour,” said Culverwell.

“This will be a massive experience. It’s the biggest tournament I’ve ever played. I know I will gain loads from it.

“To be able to be part of the Scottish Open is great. It’s one of the privileges of being Scottish Amateur champion and it’s very exciting.””

“I have been trying to make it about me rather than think about whoever else.” – Zander Culverwell

The Edinburgh man is open-minded about his chances at the Scottish Open. However, in his preparation, he was determined not to let the occasion get to him.

“I don’t have any outcome goals for this weekend, I’ve just prepared the best I can for the week,” said Culverwell. “I have been trying to make it about me rather than think about whoever else.”