Davis is paired with Kenny Perry and Tim Clark for the first two rounds

Davis, who claimed a St Andrews course record-equalling 62 in 2003, was a last-minute call-up following the withdrawal of David Howell.

"I have played there a lot and have a good record so hopefully that will work for me," Davis told Radio Five Live.

"This is the one tournament where I could probably have got away with not having a practice round."

Davis was poised to travel to the United States for the BC Open in New York but his travel plans were drastically changed on Monday when the offer came up.

"The flights were booked and the bags were packed," Davis added. "My manager called me in the morning and said: 'You are still third reserve.' So we decided to continue with the trip.

It does not get much better than the Open at St Andrews Brian Davis

"He then phoned me just before I was supposed to leave and said: 'You are now first reserve, do you want to travel to the States?'.

"I decided to stay and then I got the call saying that David Howell had withdrawn and I was in."

The 30-year-old, who failed in his bid for an Open place at Sunningdale two weeks ago, is determined to make the most of his chance.

"I am ecstatic and I am looking forward to it," he said. "It is a very special venue. It does not get much better than the Open at St Andrews.

"If you are on top of your game then you never know.

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"Michael Campbell proved that by coming through US Open qualifying and then winning it.

"I am just looking to get off to a good start and give myself a chance on Sunday."

Davis will start his campaign at 0736 BST on Thursday morning and will tee off with Tim Clark and Kenny Perry.