Connor Graham expressed his joy after clinching a dream debut in the Open Championship — and believes he can draw inspiration from former champion Paul Lawrie.
The 18-year-old amateur sensation from Blairgowrie is heading to Royal Portrush later this month after sealing his place in final qualifying at Dundonald on Tuesday.
Graham triumphed in a sudden-death play-off against fellow Scot Paul O’Hara and can now look forward to teeing it up with the world’s elite in a couple of weeks.
The talented teenager is an ambassador for the Paul Lawrie Foundation and proudly wore a shirt emblazoned with the logo during the qualifying event in Ayrshire.
Lawrie famously won The Open at Carnoustie back in 1999 after coming through final qualifying — and Graham admits it’s a dream come true just to have a chance of playing in the event.
‘That’s definitely an inspiration for me to maybe try and do the same, we’ll see,’ he smiled. ‘It’s great to have Paul’s support and to be able to lean on someone who has so much experience is definitely helpful.
Connor Graham on his way to Open qualification at Dundonald Links on Tuesday
Graham paid tribute to former Open champion Paul Lawrie – who he can call on for support
Graham will now make his Open debut at the age of 18 later this month at Royal Portrush
‘I had a chance to wander around when The Open was at St Andrews the last time (in 2022). Now getting to play in it will be very special. I wouldn’t say there is anything specific in terms of memories, but every year I’m always up from whatever time it is on to watch it on TV and keep an eye on it.
‘I remember that (Shane Lowry win at Portrush in 2019) and I might have to look back and see how the course was that week.
‘I’ve played there a couple of times, but I think it might be playing a little differently during Open week. It’s some golf course.’
Graham, who plays on the college circuit over in America and is based out of Texas Tech, is already carving a stellar reputation for himself despite his tender years.
Three years ago, when he was only 15 years old, he won the Junior Open at Monifieth by a whopping five shots, hence his presence at St Andrews when Cameron Smith lifted the Claret Jug at the Old Course.
He was also part of the European team which won the Junior Ryder Cup a couple of years ago and has also been the leading qualifier for the last two years in the Amateur Championship.
He looks destined for a very bright future in the game — and, although he had pencilled in The Open as a week off this summer, he is only too happy to add it to a busy schedule.
‘Well, The Open week was meant to be my off week, so I don’t think I am getting much rest now,’ said the teenage star. ‘But it is definitely good to have this to look forward to.
Graham was part of the European team which won the Junior Ryder Cup back in 2023
‘I’ve played in lots of big events and this is going to be the biggest. But it’s been a great first year for me in the US. I thought it went well and it was very enjoyable.’
Graham will be one of two Scottish amateurs who will tee it up at Portrush alongside Cameron Adam, who has also enjoyed a stunning run of form over the past year.
Meanwhile, fellow Scot Daniel Young also secured his place at Portrush after a strong showing at Dundonald earlier this week.
Back in 2015, Young was a beaten finalist in the Scottish Amateur, losing narrowly to Bob MacIntyre at Muirfield.
Whilst MacIntyre’s career has taken off spectacularly since then, Young has had to be more patient and is now playing on the old Challenge Tour, which has now been rebranded as the HotelPlanner Tour.
But his form is good and he feels like it is only a matter of time before he elevates himself from the second-tier tour and earns his card for the main DP World Tour.
Of that meeting with MacIntyre, Young reflected: ‘Yeah, that was a good few years ago now.
‘We had a great final. We went 36 holes and he pipped me at the last. No hard feelings. If I can turn around my career into what he’s done so far… golf is ruthless.
‘Everybody’s where they are for a reason. I’m on the HotelPlanner Tour for a reason. Bob’s where he is for a reason. If you just keep ticking away, playing good golf, the rest will take care of itself.
‘In terms of my aims for the rest of the season, just wrap up the card for the DP World Tour.
‘Yeah, as soon as I can. First and foremost, I’m just trying to win every time I tee up. But the ultimate goal is to get to the DP World Tour. It’ll be brilliant to play in The Open.
‘I watched a little bit on TV when Shane Lowry won, so you kind of see bits and bobs.
‘Yeah, I feel like it’s probably one of the harder Open venues out there, which I feel like might suit my game. I’m driving it great and tee to green has been really solid most of the year. So, if I can take the game I had today into Portrush, there’s no reason why we can’t do well.’
