Defending Scottish Men’s Amateur champion Euan McIntosh is no stranger to Crail Golfing Society having visited the club many times to contest the annual Battle Trophy.

So, it came as a surprise when Euan arrived at Crail this past Sunday for a practice round on the Balcomie Links, and along with the Craighead Links, a qualifying course for this week’s Scottish Men’s Amateur.

“You know, I’ve been here to Crail so many times but never once have I played the Balcomie,” he said.

“The Balcomie’s a great golf course and very interesting to play.

Defending Scottish Men’s Amateur Champion Euan McIntosh delighted to be back at Crail Golfing Society. (Photo @tourmiss @CrailGolf)

“It’s the best under 6,000 yards course in Scotland I’ve ever played, and they should be holding the match-play stages this week on the Balcomie.

“It comes at a surprise then it’s not as the Balcomie is Crail’s signature course.  There is so many good holes and, of course, a good few par 3s.  It’s a real hidden links gem.”

And Euan was so pleased in tackling the Balcomie, he was back today for a final practice round over the 5,861-yard, par-69 lay-out.

McIntosh won the Scottish premier men’s title a year ago with a 3 & 2 victory over Jamie Stewart at Blairgowrie.

However, while Euan has enjoyed tackling the Balcomie Links at Crail for a first occasion is has not been all plain sailing for the Turnhouse golfer in competing on the Gil Hanse designed CraighHead Links.

“Of course, I have played the Battle Trophy many times here at Crail on the Craighead Course but I am not sure if that will help this week as I have never played well on the Craighead,” he said smiling.

“Though I have to say, I can’t believe how quickly the year has gone since I won the championship last year and in saying that, my golf game is not all that bad.   Last year, the greens at Blairgowrie were really good and I putted managed to putt very well for a first time in a while that week.

“When you can do that you have a chance to succeed.

“So, I am very excited defending this week though you have to treat every tournament you play the same way but then it’s match-play post the qualifying and you can come up against a guy who has seven birdies and that’s you out.”

Euan will tee-up at 2.20pm on Tuesday and seeking also to become the first player in 37-years to successful defend the Scottish Men’s Championship.