Jamieson eyes Masters place after taking Durban runner-up slot

Jan 16 2013 by Paul Thomson, East Kilbride News

Golfer Scott Jamieson has his eyes on the Masters Championship in Augusta after claiming the runner-up spot at the Volvo Golf Champions in Durban.

The 29-year-old finished just one shot behind winner Louis Oosthuizen but the Cathkin Braes member blew a five-shot lead going into the final day to finish on 15 under par.

However, Jamieson is keen to put the disappointment of losing behind him and concentrate on realising his dream of returning to the course he played as a teenager.

The East Mains man served his golfing apprenticeship at Augusta State University and was one of the top players in their team between 2001 and 2005.

And with his latest result taking him up to 72nd in the world rankings, he needs another couple of good showings before the end of March to break into the top 50 and secure a slot at the Augusta National the following month.

Jamieson told the News: “Augusta is within touching distance and if I can keep this form going it could put me in there.

“I’ve got to look at the next few events as baby steps towards it, but if I can get in it would be a great accomplishment.

“Ever since I was a youngster playing at Augusta in my college days, I’ve always dreamt of returning there as a professional.

“Obviously, the weekend in Durban finished in disappointing circumstances but I’m looking forward to moving on quickly next week in Abu Dhabi.”

Jamieson has enjoyed a tremendous start to the 2013 season with his first Tour win arriving at the Nelson Mandela Championships and that was quickly followed by third place at the Alfred Dunhill in Malelane.

And upon his return from the festive break, Jamieson’s second- place finish on Sunday is still hugely satisfying, despite a difficult final day.

A double-bogey at the fifth and a bogey at the 16th saw him card a level-par round, but Jamieson is looking at the positives.

He added: “Even putting my first two events aside, if someone had told me I’d finish second in the Golf Champions event at the start of the season I would have taken it.

“Playing in those first two events might have given me a wee advantage going into this year, but it was nice to return from the break and continue where I left off.

“I knew I had to shoot low on Sunday and with a great champion like Louis behind me, it was always going to be difficult.”