Former Scottish Open champ Graeme McDowell clearly continues to benefit from having spent last weekend at Royal Troon.

McDowell was met after his second round by Aberdeen Asset Management chief, Martin Gilbert who congratulated the Northern Irishmand and competing for a first time at Castle Stuart after inadvertently slamming the course post the 2011 event.

And after rounds of 70 and 69 McDowell is saying all the right things this time around as he kept himself in contention for victory along the shores of the Moray Firth.

G Mac meets Aberdeen Asset Management CEO & Founder Martin Gilbert after his second round. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)“

“I am very happy with the way I played and I just love links golf, as I grew-up playing it and I feel like I adapt quicker than some of the players do,” he said.

“So like I said yesterday, having spent last weekend at Royal Troon after missing the French Open cut was big for me in a lot of levels, and just like that third shot at the last from 99 yards.

G Mac thanks his walking scorers after a round of 69 on day two of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

“It was a 9-iron but only 99 yards out and I was working on that very shot at Troon last weekend, and it’s just very hard tuning for that shot as you don’t see that shot very often.

“But then you still have to stay patient as the weather here could have the last laugh on us but I right where I want to be and I’m naturally excited going into the weekend.”

A tired sounding Shane Lowry was headed south to Royal Troon and a nine-hole practice round today (SAT) after missing the Scottish cut with scores of 77 and 73 for a six over tally.

Graeme McDowell a stand out round on day two of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open

“It drove it poorly on Thursday and while I got off to a great start today, there was just a couple of sloppy mistakes again that cost me,” he said.

“I do get some extra preparation heading into Troon so that’s a positive way of looking at it.

“I’ve never played Troon so maybe nine holes Saturday and then nine holes Sunday, and an extra 18 holes won’t do me any harm.”