Colin Montgomerie will be aiming for a happy homecoming as he attempts to secure a place in next month’s Open Championship.

The veteran Scot was teeing-up in today’s 36-hole final qualifier at Gailes Links near Irvine as the last ditch scramble to book a starting time at the Royal Troon showpiece intensifies.

Monty is an honorary member at Royal Troon while his dad, James, was a past secretary of the Ayrshire club and the former Ryder Cup skipper, 53, is desperate to be part of next month’s Championship.

Montgomerie, who has not played in the Open since 2010, said: “It means a great deal. If I’m going to play in one more Open then I’d love it to be this one.

“I did ask for an invitation. If you don’t ask you don’t get but they never give invitations and they’ll not change the rules for me!

“It’s going to be tough with 60 players for three spots. But at the same time, if I can play my best then I can have a chance.”

Monty is one of a host of local hopefuls competing at Gailes, which is one of four qualifying venues across the UK offering just 12 Open spots in total.

Others involved in the shoot-out include Scott Jamieson and Scott Henry as well as Bearsden amateur Ewen Ferguson.

Meanwhile, Kilmacolm Golf Club member Blane Dodds has been appointed the new chief executive officer of Scottish Golf.

The 49-year-old, who is currently the chair of Tennis Scotland, will take up his new post with amatuer golf’s governing body in August.

Scottish Golf chair Elaine Cannon said: “The board was excited at the vision and ambition articulated by Blane during the recruitment process and look forward to working with him and the team to better support our clubs and encourage more people into the game.”