Macaulay has wised up for Madeira Open

CALLUM Macaulay tees off today in the Madeira Islands Open, the event he finished second in 12 months ago thanks to a closing back nine of 28, believing he'll be "better and wiser" when he returns to the European Tour.

The Tulliallan man failed to retain his card at the end of last season and is having to concentrate on the Challenge Tour this year. With so many higher-ranked players missing from the event at Porto Santo Golfe, however, this could be his chance to go one better than he did a year ago.

"Towards the end of last season when I was trying desperately to keep my card, I changed my mindset," said Macaulay, whose blistering back nine in the final round saw him card a course record-equalling 64 as he finished a shot behind Tano Goya. "Instead of trying to win tournaments I was concentrating mainly on just making the cut. If and when I get back on to the main Tour, I should be a better player – and a wiser one."

Macaulay has been paired in the opening two rounds with Richie Ramsay in a field that contains 12 Scots in total, with Andrew Coltart, Steven O'Hara, Scott Drummond, George Murray, Scott Jamieson, Andrew McArthur, Eric Ramsay, Lloyd Saltman, Jamie McLeary and Chris Doak.