THE 152ND OPEN

July 19, 2024

Calum Scott

Mixed Zone

Q. A tough test, was it not?

CALUM SCOTT: Yeah, that front nine was brutal. The downwind holes aren't any easier, either.

Q. You must be pretty proud.

CALUM SCOTT: Yeah, I'm very happy, yeah.

Q. All things considered, given the conditions and everything else, do you feel you've almost overachieved, that maybe you done better than you thought you might?

CALUM SCOTT: Yeah, no, I feel like in a way I have overachieved, but at the same time I was just wanting to see where my game was compared to, obviously, the best there is, and obviously this field is one of the best in the world, a major on a golf course set up like a major. With the Scottish weather conditions it's even more like a major.

I'm just happy to see where my game is at right now. I'm playing really good this summer, and I'm just wanting to show people what I'm capable of and what I know I can do.

Q. When was the last time you played in conditions that tough?

CALUM SCOTT: It's funny you say that because it's nothing like that in the States, but my first event back in Europe, the Sanders Links Trophy, it was very similar to this. Obviously Sanders provides a different kind of test, but similar with the wind and the gusts, having to keep the ball on the ground as quick as possible and being really good at lag putting because it's hard to get it close to those pins on the edges of the greens.

Q. When you made that putt on 16, did you think you were going to make the weekend at that point?

CALUM SCOTT: I had to get past 17. That was my only one that I wanted to get by. As soon as I holed that like 10-footer there, that was a bit of relief, to be honest. I still had to hit two good shots and focus in, but that birdie on 16 was huge. It was more the tee shot that gave me that opportunity. I hit a great tee shot there and set me up for a birdie.

Q. What are your thoughts on the weekend? What would you like to achieve?

CALUM SCOTT: I'm not sure how many amateurs have made the cut, but obviously Silver Medal. That would be nice. Silver Medal would probably be the intention, but just get as high up on the leaderboard as I can.

I think Saturday and Sunday we'll see what the weather looks like, but I think two good scores and we can move up that leaderboard.

Q. These kind of conditions kind of control you with the mind, that kind of stuff. What would you say has been your strength, your mental fortitude?

CALUM SCOTT: Absolutely. It was mentally tough out there, especially when you're having to hit shots when there's no wind, they would almost be going so much this way or that way and trying to hold shots. It's about playing golf, and I think if you get caught up in the technical space or trying to do something perfect, then you're going to get frustrated. I think just handling and playing golf really well and acceptance and patience are the two key things I've been working on this week, and just accepting where it goes because it's done, and then patience, because you're going to get your chances, and sometimes it won't go your way, but that's just golf.

Q. What family members are here this week?

CALUM SCOTT: I've got my dad, my two sisters, my auntie and my uncle and my cousins and obviously close friends, as well.

Q. Where is Sandy this week?

CALUM SCOTT: He's in Canada competing. PGA Tour Americas. I think it would be pretty early for him.

Q. A lot of names that are going to be departing today. Does that make it a wee pinch-yourself moment?

CALUM SCOTT: Yeah, it does. Obviously I was just focusing on my score, but it'll be interesting to see some of the scores on the leaderboard later on and see what those big names or whatever did. At the end of the day, I'm just trying to do the best I can and see where that takes me.

Q. Do you feel like the pressure is off and you can go ahead and enjoy myself?

CALUM SCOTT: Part of me does feel like I can enjoy it a little bit more. Obviously it's been an unbelievable experience, but as I said, there's obviously another amateur in the field, and my goal is to beat him, try and get a Silver Medal. I think that's the goal for me.