CARBON'S Richie Ramsay looks ahead at what the summer has in hold

CARBON’S European Tour ambassador Richie Ramsay has been mining a rich seam of form on his travels this season. We caught up with the Scot after a top 12 finish at the “Made in Denmark” tournament to reflect on his rise in the Race to Dubai rankings and to look ahead at what the summer has in hold.

“I am enjoying a good run of form and, like any sportsman, I am eager to get back out to keep it going.

“In this recent stretch I played well in Morocco and, especially, in China with a top 15 finish. That provided the building blocks for a good performance and fifth place at the Betfred British Masters.

“It was great being back in contention in a quality field at the event hosted at Hillside Golf Club by Tommy Fleetwood.

“I felt I had control of the ball and my swing in China. I putted well and that makes a huge difference.

“It has been valuable having positive people around me – including the Carbon team – giving me their 100% support and always believing in me.

“Going into the event in Denmark I actually had an injury scare to deal with.

“It was one of the strangest things that has ever happened to me. I thought I might have to pull out of the tournament.

“I am grateful to the Tour medical team for their support.

“I went from hitting three woods after a practice round cut short by a storm to limping pretty badly six hours later. It was really weird.

“I had a scan which revealed a pocket of fluid building up on my knee. It was causing me heavy discomfort. It was touch and go because I wasn’t able to bend down to read a putt on the Wednesday.

“I was relieved the scan showed there was nothing more sinister to worry about but it was a late decision to tee it up on the Thursday morning.

“I had to think seriously if I could go out and compete over four days and not do more damage.

“So it was a relief to get out and keep the good run continuing in what, at times, were very testing, windy conditions.

“I ended up with a share of 12^th place with a seven under total, having started one over.

“It was encouraging to seeing another Scot in contention on the final day and flying the Saltire on the leader board. Bob McIntyre, who is only 22, came so close to his first Tour win and he is definitely one to look out for.

“I have a few Tour events and a US Open qualifier coming up. The schedule takes in Belgium before Germany and Spain and big tournaments in Ireland and Scotland over the summer, including the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at The Renaissance before hopefully heading for The Open at Royal Portrush.

“It’s great that Rory McIlory has confirmed he will be playing at The Renaissance in July.

“There is a huge amount of strength in depth on the European Tour with the likes of Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Wallace, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and many more.

“But without a shadow of a doubt McIlory pushes the needle more than anyone else.

“So it’s great for the tournament that Rory is playing.

“He has a huge following and is a big draw in Europe and the States. Rory has shots in his armoury that no one else has.

“Being the week before The Open returns to Northern Ireland after a long, long gap he will want to get a card in his hands and play links golf.

“Rory probably gets almost too much attention over in Ireland so playing Scotland rather than Lahinch the previous week might help his preparation for The Open. He will be stepping into a cauldron at Portrush.

“Don’t underestimate just how much support Rory will have there – and how high the level of expectation will be on home soil.

“The fans will expect him to be in the mix round a golf course he knows very well.”