MICHAEL Watson will aim to keep alive his dream of playing in the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews when he tees off in the Scottish Open today.

The Wessex Golf Centre professional is part of a strong field, including world number two Phil Mickelson, that will compete at Loch Lomond in the European Tour event over the next four days.

Most of the field has already made it through to next week’s Open Championship but for those who have not, there is still one place available for the highest finishing non-qualifier at Loch Lomond.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Watson. “The golf course is great – I really like it, but it’s playing quite soft with all the rain we’ve had over the last three or four days.

“It’s really exciting to play in the same competition as guys like Phil Mickelson and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“It’s a fantastic setting and you have to try to enjoy it whether or not you are wrapped up underneath an umbrella.

“I’m confident of being here for the weekend. I want to make the cut then see where it goes from there.

“Most of the guys here are already heading for St Andrews but there is that space open for someone and you never know, that could be me.”