Kirkintilloch golfer Calum Fyfe insists a Scotland international snub will give him the drive to build on a breakthrough year in the senior amateur ranks.

The Cawder ace, 20, capped a fine campaign on the domestic scene by winning the Scottish men’s Order of Merit for the first time.

Despite a consistent strong of performances on the home front, Fyfe, who also topped the under-18s rankings as a junior back in 2014, was left gutted after missing out a call-up to the Scotland team for last month’s Home Internationals.

He said: “Not getting in that team was disappointing and tough to take. I’d worked hard all year to get in the mix and I thought I was good enough to get in that team. It’s made me get my head down, work harder and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

In 10 counting events this season, Fyfe notched five top-five finishes. At last weekend’s Scottish Area Team Championships at Newmachar, he posted a remarkable 18-under tally for two rounds of strokeplay qualifying which officials are still trying to confirm as some sort of amateur record.

With his mum seriously ill and his dad, John, taking a step back from work to look after her, there was plenty of personal anguish to deal with during 2017. On the course, Fyfe’s progress was hindered by funding issues. “I got £500 for Scottish Golf to cover entry fees and things but that doesn’t go very far when a season can end up being £8000,” he said.

The upshot was that Fyfe couldn’t afford to travel to some of the major amateur events out with Scotland and that in turn affected his international ambitions.

In an amateur game now dominated by world ranking points, Fyfe’s lack of them appeared to go against him. “They are huge events to miss but I simply couldn’t afford it,” he said. “It’s been hard both on and off the course with the general worry. Mum is beginning to turn the corner now but it’s been tough. My dad has made a lot of sacrifices for me. Without him I couldn’t play in anything really. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved this year and hopefully there’s more to come.”

On the professional front, meanwhile, Caldwell pro Chris Currie is gearing up for his PGA Cup debut as GB&I’s club professionals look to defend the Llandudno Trophy against their US counterparts in Surrey this weekend.