Double European Tour winner Richie Ramsay has shaken off a nagging hip injury just in time for three of the biggest Race to Dubai events this season.
Ramsay, 30 has not played since the Nordea Masters last month in Sweden but traced the back to US Open qualifying earlier that week when he was forced out in the second round at Walton Heath.
He now returns to the Tour to join six other Scot’s in today’s (THU) starting French Open being played on the 2018 Ryder Cup Le National course.
Ramsay then returns to Scotland for two events on home soil, next week’s Aberdeen Asset Scottish Open and a fourth appearance in the Open Championship at Muirfield.
Richie Ramsay, and the reigning Omega European Masters champion, timely shruggs off a hip injury (Photo – www.golffile.ie)
“After hurting my hip at Walton Heath I went back to the States for a fortnight, but just couldn’t hit shots so I only chipped and putted,” he said.
“The injury’s on my left side and it affecting the joint and the muscles.
“So it’s been tough not being able to practice, very frustrating however it’s much better now even though it’s not 100%, and I’ve been advised to take it careful.”
The reigning Omega European Masters champion’s year has been highlighted by a best of a pair of ninth place finishers, firstly in the season-opening Volvo Champions in Durban and then in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
He said: “It’s been frustrating sitting on the side-lines as I wasn’t able to play in the Irish Open last week, so I am hoping to be fully fit for the Open.
“I’m okay for the French, and I’m really looking forward to the Scottish and the Open. I enjoy the courses and the set-up.
“I played Muirfield three weeks ago, and it was in great shape. It wasn’t as tough then as it will be now with the rough growing up.
“But the rough’s the same at The Renaissance, where I practice, and at Archerfield.
“I’ve played Muirfield quite a few times, but I don’t think competitively.
“After the Open I’m going to the WGC-Bridgestone in the States. I’m not in the PGA Championship at the moment, but there are three big weeks coming up in France and Scotland, and if I play well it could get me in.”
Three of the world’s top-10 will tee up in the Euro 3m event headed by World No. 5 and visiting American, Matt Kuchar.
Joining Kuchar is World No. 8 Luke Donald and World No. 9 Graeme McDowell.
Donald already has his sights set on The Open and a hopeful first Major after witnessing close friend, Justin Rose break through to capture last month’s US Open.
He said: “You always walk away disappointed when you have a chance, but at the same time, I left with a lot of encouragement.
“I felt similar to Adam (Scott) last year in The Open, and while I wasn’t leading with four holes to play, Merion was the first time I put myself in a position at the US Open to contend.
“There was certainly a lot of benefits, and seeing Adam with at Augusta, seeing Justinn win at the US Open, guys that have had a similar career path to me in terms of winning a World Golf Championship or two and winning a bunch of tournaments on their resume.
“So it gives me certainly hope that my turn is coming soon.”
