Alan Hansen's Dunhill blog: Day One

Published on Thursday 7 October 2010 09:58

Match of the Day pundit and ex-Liverpool legend Alan Hansen is blogging exclusively for scotsman.com from this year's Dunhill Links championship.

I managed to squeeze in a full round on the Old Course and a further nine holes at Kingsbarns today to help in my preparations for this year's tournament. I've been playing well in practice and clearly hoping to build on this current form when we tee off this morning. (Thursday)

This is my sixth Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, which remains one of the highlights in my calendar each year. I've always loved the game of golf - started playing it at the age of five or six at Shaw Park, my local course in Sauchie, Clackmannanshire. In fact, in my youth I liked golf more than football but by the age of 18 I realised that I wasn't good enough to be a professional whereas I did have the talent to pursue a career in football.

I'm playing with Richard Ramsay this year whom I've not yet met but I'm looking forward to partnering him over the next few days. As a golf nut this is always the highlight of my year. You talk to the other amateurs in the weeks leading up to the tournament where there's lots of good banter and mickey-taking. The atmosphere when you're up here, playing alongside the professionals and the opportunity to compete on these three amazing golf courses (Old Course, St Andrews; Kingsbarns and Carnoustie) is simply unbeatable. Between the courses I don't have a favourite – they are all sensational. I would say that of the three, Carnoustie – where I start my tournament today - is certainly the toughest.

My most memorable round at a Dunhill had to be in 2003 when I made the cut and played in the final at the Old Course. I went round that day making seven birdies which was up there as one of my best ever rounds. Let's hope for some of that this week!

Following the great result for Colin Montgomerie – who I had the pleasure to partner at the 2002 Dunhill – and the European Ryder Cup team, I am really excited about this year's Dunhill event. I'm hoping I play well and once again enjoy the experience.