EWEN Ferguson hopes picking the brains of a former champion can help him to Scottish Boys' Championship glory next week.

The Bearsden golfer is competing in the national under-18 matchplay showpiece starting on Monday at West Kilbride.

Ferguson claimed the biggest title of his blossoming career last season at the British Boys' Championship at Hoylake. He began preparations for the Scottish event with a practice round with the 2008 Boys' champ Michael Stewart from Troon.

Stewart went on to win the Scottish Amateur crown and represent GB&I in the Walker Cup before turning pro and Ferguson hopes his words of wisdom can aid his own title bid.

Ferguson, who faces a first-round match with Robert Hughan from Newton Stewart, said: "I was at Glasgow Gailes earlier this week with Michael.

"It was nice to get some practice with him, play different links shots and feed off his experience. He has ­always been good with me at passing on advice."

Ferguson is a firm favourite in Ayrshire next week but he's taking nothing for granted.

He added: "You can come up against a five-handicapper and lose, that's what happens in matchplay.

"You need to grind it out, it doesn't need to be pretty."

Other players in the 256-strong field include Scottish Boys' Strokeplay champion Robert MacIntyre and Michael Lawrie, the youngest son of former Open champ Paul.