Paul McKechnie has set his sights on an Open spot in tomorrow's 36-hole final qualifier at Gailes

Paul McKechnie has set his sights on an Open spot in tomorrow's 36-hole final qualifier at Gailes

The Glasgow golfer signed off with a one-under 70 in the closing round of the Scottish Hydro Challenge at Macdonald Spey Valley yesterday to earn a top 20 finish with a 10-under 274.

McKechnie has swapped the Highlands for Ayrshire and will join a strong field for the two-round Open shoot-out.

And the 37-year-old is hoping some local knowledge can help him tee-up a Major debut at Hoylake next month.

McKechnie said: "I used to have the course record at Gailes back when I was about 18, an eight-under round of 63.

"I'm in good enough form and you just have to go out, roll the dice and see what happens."

As the leading Scot in Aviemore, McKechnie claimed the Douglas Lowe Memorial Trophy, the prize named after the late Glasgow Herald golf correspondent.

England's Andrew Johnston won the main title by three shots with a 19-under 265.