Scottish golfer Jack McDonald has altered his schedule to prepare for his second Open Championship appearance at Royal Birkdale.
The 33-year-old secured his place in final qualifying at Dundonald two weeks ago. The achievement forced him to withdraw from the Bothwell Castle Pro-Am, a Tartan Tour event he was scheduled to play on Sunday.
"I was actually down to play at the Bothwell Castle Pro-Am on Sunday," McDonald said. "This is a nice addition to the diary instead."
McDonald, who stepped away from full-time competitive golf last year, is one of two Scots in the field alongside Bob MacIntyre. He took a holiday to Rome following his qualification but struggled to relax.
"I had a holiday in Rome just after I qualified. It's so hard to not think about what's coming up," he said. "I'm not playing European or HotelPlanner Tour this year and suddenly I'm going to be in the biggest event there is."
McDonald said he is focusing entirely on his own performance and trying to feel comfortable on the major stage.
"All I can control is my golf, how I hit the shots," McDonald said. "I've played tournament golf all my life, coming up through the ranks, and that feeling of belonging there is the same at every level you get to."
PGA training and Troon experience
McDonald is currently completing his PGA Professional training at Whitecraigs Golf Club, aiming to work in the golf industry after his playing career concludes.
He compared his major championship start to moving between developmental circuits.
"It's like going from a amateur golf to the Challenge Tour (HotelPlanner Tour). It's the next level," McDonald said. "The Open is the highest level and you just have to play golf. You are always trying to climb the ladder in this game. It just so happens I'm now playing in the biggest tournament in the world."
The former Walker Cup player, who developed at Kilmarnock Barassie in Ayrshire, previously played The Open at Royal Troon in 2024.
He was a local favourite at Troon, where he missed the cut by a single shot. At Birkdale, McDonald is experiencing a quieter build up, which he believes will help him this week.
"It obviously feels a bit different this time," he said. "I'm not as familiar with the golf course, but The Open is amazing obviously and everything that comes with it is very similar."
McDonald recalled playing at Lytham during a Walker Cup week but noted it was a long time ago and he cannot remember much about the experience.
Firm conditions at Birkdale
The Scottish golfer expects the course to play firm and fast throughout the tournament.
"As a junior, you dream of holing putts to win an Open. To be able to play in this event twice now is special," he said.
"With the changes they've made, it's a proper test of golf," McDonald said. "It's running fast out there and I don't think there is any rain in the forecast."
He believes the dry conditions will place a premium on hitting fairways over all four days, contrasting with his previous Open experience.
"Troon was just playing almost overly difficult with the conditions, I've never seen it play like that," he said.
McDonald said his primary goal is to appreciate the opportunity.
"I'm just here to enjoy it. What will be will be," McDonald said. "Yeah, it is going to be such a great week, no matter what."
