Lure of St Andrews sees Sandy Lyle tee up 'last shot' at The Open

Sandy Lyle sparked his Open Championship career at St Annes Old Links and is hoping a nostalgic return to the Lancashire venue can tee up a “special” last hurrah in the game’s oldest major.

It seemed as though Lyle, the 1985 winner, had written the final chapter in his story in the Claret Jug event as he was handed the honour of teeing off first at Carnoustie in 2018, when he was exempt for the last time after turning 60 earlier that year.

But, tempted by this year’s event being the 150th edition and also that being held at St Andrews, the two-time major winner is taking a step back in time in a bid to pull off what would be a remarkable achievement.

The 64-year-old is teeing up in Tuesday’s Final Qualifying event at St Annes Old Links, where he passed a similar test back in 1974 to play in his first Open at Royal Lytham.

“It is basically going to be my last shot at The Open,” Lyle, who clocked up his 100th major appearance in The Maters in April, told The Scotsman before heading out for a practice round on Monday.

“Being the 150th, it’s a little bit special and also being at St Andrews is the biggest draw for me as it’s a course I know pretty well now, having played it on a regular basis over the last few years.

“I don’t think I’ll be trying again in a qualifier for The Open Championship and, if I can get through tomorrow, which is a bit of a laugh, I suppose, with only four spots up for grabs, it would be fantastic.”

Lyle, who lives at Balquhidder in Perthshire, is one of the star names in four Final Qualifying fields, with four coveted berths also up for grabs at Fairmont St Andrews, Hollinwell and Prince’s.

“Well, I don’t know,” said the affable Scot of his presence likely to attract a crowd at St Annes Old Links .