The Open Championship, St Andrews, 15-18 July
Coverage: Live on BBC TV, Red Button, BBC Sport website, with updates on BBC Radio 5 live Full coverage details

By Ged Scott BBC Sport at St Andrews

Hatton earned his place at The Open at the final qualifying event in June

At just 18 years of age, Tyrrell Hatton is the youngest golfer at this year's Open Championship at St Andrews.

But the Buckinghamshire golfer has the maturity of a much older man when it comes to appreciating just what it means to play the famous Old Course.

"It's just amazing being here," the young man from Marlow told BBC Sport.

"And I'm saving up the best bit for Thursday as I've not walked the famous bridge yet over the Swilcan Burn. That will be really special, playing 18."

Hatton had previously only seen the Swilcan Burn, the Road Hole, the Valley of Sin, the famous view of the old grey town and all the other enchanting corners that this course has to offer on television.

But he has rapidly taken to the home of golf - despite being battered when he attempted to play his first practice round during gale-force winds on Sunday.

"I'd never played here before until Sunday," he said. "And it wasn't the best first impression.

"It was ridiculously windy. Just stupid. Balls were blowing on the green and I was wondering why I was out there.

I'm starting to get to know the course better and I can't wait to get started Tyrell Hatton

"I was very nervous coming up here on Sunday. When I got on the range I could feel other people thinking 'Why's he here?'

"And I was nervous on the first tee when I had a practice round with Lee Westwood, but that's only to be expected when you're playing with the world number three.

"I was interested to see what he did," he added. "He wasn't aiming for any pins, more for where the thinks they'll be on the first two days. I learned a lot from that.

"I've had three practice rounds now, I'm starting to get to know the course better and I can't wait to get started.

"I'm in the second-last group out and it will most probably be a very long round.

"But it's pretty straightforward. Most links courses are just a case of missing the bunkers and staying out of trouble.

"I've had a good season. I've had 10 top-15 finishes in world ranking events. If I have a good week with my putter, then I'm confident of making the cut."

606: DEBATE Who do you think will provide the strongest English challenge around the Old Course? BBC Sport's Stephan Shemilt

If Hatton survives to the weekend, that would give him a good chance of beating the other six amateurs who have made it to St Andrews in the Open's annual chief sub-plot, the battle for the Silver Medal.

But he knows that there will be fierce competition.

"A couple of lads are here from the England squad and they're on a high as well," added Hatton. "And there's the US and British amateur champions. It's tough competition. But I'm 18 and I've nothing to lose really.

"My dad, who is also my coach, is up here and some of the members from my club at Marlo.

"Hopefully I might hear a little roar from them if I'm doing well."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version