The last person Richie Ramsay expected to be see munching on his cornflakes was European Ryder Cup captain, Jose Maria Olazabal.
Ramsay has found himself being congratulated at every turn of the Dutch Open host course at Hilversum since his Omega European Masters success.
“It was the most amazing thing when Jose Maria came up to me yesterday morning at breakfast,” said Ramsay ahead of his first round.
Richie Ramsay’s Swiss success leads to sharing cornflakes and coffee with Europe’s Ryder Cup captain. (Photo – Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)
“He didn’t see the end of the event as he was travelling down the mountain, so he asked me how it had gone.“I said ‘I played good and I holed a wedge on 14’.
“But here I am having breakfast and a double Masters champion and the European Ryder Cup captain wants to know how I played.
“It just shows the class of the guy, and you see him here practicing but he comes up to me at breakfast and starts chatting to me.
“Of course, I wished him well for three week’s time but he’s going to be such a great captain.
“But it’s just nice to have everyone come up to you saying ‘well done’ and how they were impressed with the way I won, so it gives you a good feeling.”
Ramsay had also sent a tweet to World No. 1 Rory McIlroy prior to his final round on Monday in the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston.
“I wished Rory good luck ahead of his final round in the States and he sent one back congratulating me on my win,” he said
And Ramsay also received a congratulatory tweet from legendary Gary Player, a winner of nine Majors.
“I had met Mr. Player at the Shell Wonderful World of Golf Series in Jamaica in 2000,” said Ramsay.
“So that was amazing to get a message from him.
“My phone has nearly melted I’ve had so many text messages and tweets.
“However since arriving here in Holland late Monday the focus is on this week’s event.
“I don’t feel tired either physically or mentally and if anything, I’m trying to treat this as another tournament and play good, and get myself again in position.
“But I have come here certainly with a lot more confidence after winning last week, and I’m conscious to not to let my expectations get too high early on.”
Ramsay will tee up in the event for a fourth straight year and having finished a best of 16th last year.
The Aberdonian, who has moved to 68thin the world, is among 10 Scots in the field including Anstruther’s George Murray.
Ramsay shared an apartment last week with Murray and Scott Jamieson, and with Murray electing to play chef for the week.
But while Jamieson left early after missing the cut, Murray, who also missed the cut, remained to congratulate Ramsay.
And Ramsay repaid the favour taking Murray out for dinner in Crans last Sunday night.
“I took George out and it was really good night but it was a tough morning,” said Ramsay smiling.
