Stephen Gallacher is hoping a familiar venue can transform his fortunes at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.
The Scot lives just 40 minutes from Gullane Golf Club, and regularly plays the venue to keep his game sharp in the winter.
A member of Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup Team at Gleneagles last year, Gallacher has had just one top-50 finish since he finished third defending the Dubai Desert Classic in January.
However, as well as his course knowledge, the 40 year old can also fall back on an impressive record in his National Open which has seen him record three top-ten finishes in his last seven appearances.
“I think as a Scot, you want to win this tournament,” said Gallacher.
“This is up there high on the list. So regardless of what's gone on outside, you still want to win this tournament and prepare to win.
“You want to win your national tournament in front of your home fans and family, it's as simple as that. It is courses that you grew up playing and places you go back to that get the emotions going. I think any time you are playing in your home country, you want to do as well as you can.
“I think you try and prepare to be in contention on the Sunday, that's all you can do. I've had some good finishes and just not really been able to finish it off in the end, but hopefully one time it comes.
“It's a course I've played a lot; I have playing rights here and play a lot in the winter and it's in unbelievable condition. Stephen Galacher
“Hopefully I can bring back some good memories playing here and contend on Sunday.
“I've been struggling a little bit. I'm hoping back on home soil I can maybe get the spark going and start the season off from there.”
Having played the course regularly, Gallacher was able to offer some insight into the skills required to succeed this week.
“It's a very straightforward course for a links course,” he added. “There's only three blind shots, three or four blind tee shots, very small greens, well protected with bunkers.
“As all links courses are, it's element-dependent. I've seen it here where it can be one of the toughest tests possible, especially when you get up on the top of the hill at the flat, it can be very exposed. If it's a bit soft like it is just now and we don't get much wind, well, you're going to see birdies, which is not a bad thing I don't think.”
