MATTHEW Southgate immediately set his sights on his “home” Open at Carnoustie after playing a superb final round at Royal Birkdale.
The 28-year-old from Southend shot up the leaderboard as he carded six birdies in a 65 to finish four under.
It came two years after Southgate feared his career could be over after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
After an emotional return to top-level golf and finishing tied 12th on the first anniversary of the surgery during last year’s Open at Troon, Southgate is now looking onwards and upwards.
Next year’s Open at Carnoustie is certainly in his thoughts having been a member at the Angus links since the age of 16.
He said: “My dad played in an open matchplay tournament years and years ago and ended up becoming a member, making some long-term friends.
“My present for my 16th birthday for getting to scratch was membership of the Carnoustie club. The support I get from there and the opportunities I have had to play there have been unbelievable.
“It’s something I’m very lucky to have and I think it’s going to be an incredible turnout. I think the whole of Carnoustie will be rooting for me. Carnoustie has got a very special place in my heart and my family’s heart.
“I think it is the best golf course in the world. I can’t wait to go and try to make them all proud.
“I was healthy as quickly as anyone who’s had testicular cancer. I didn’t lose any form and it just gave me that little extra passion and desire to mature a bit and get to where we are now.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here