Paul McKechnie's non-stop schedule was continuing today in Aviemore as the Glasgow golfer began his title tilt in the European Challenge Tour's Scottish Hydro Challenge at Macdonald Spey Valley.

The former EuroPro Tour No.1 dashed back from an event in Belgium at the weekend to tee-up in regional qualifying for The Open on Monday and now finds himself up in the Highlands for the latest date in his golfing diary.

McKechnie showed what he can do with a sizzling 64 during the third round of the Belgian Challenge Open which thrust him into contention.

The Scot slipped out of the running with a closing 73 but he is confident of serving up another round of tartan special on home soil this week.

McKechnie, who won on the EuroPro Tour in Lossiemouth last season, said: "I've had only one week off in the last 12 but I've enjoyed it.

"If you are going to step up through the ranks and better yourself, you've got to be prepared to go out there week-in week-out.

"My game is pretty sharp at the minute. In Belgium I showed a wee glimpse of what I can do. My putter kind of warmed up a wee bit and hopefully it works here."

McKechnie is one of a host locals competing for a purse of £200,000 and is joined in the field by former Challenge Tour winners Andrew McArthur and Scott Henry.