Cameron Davis

The 23-year-old qualified to play in The 147th Open after firing a final round 64 to win the 2017 Emirates Australian Open ahead of the likes of major champions Jordan Spieth and Jason Day and make his mark only a year after joining the professional ranks. 

Davis went on to finish T-39 at the famous Angus links and counts playing alongside two-time US Open champion Brooks Koepka as one of his real highlights from a memorable week.

“It was so cool to play in The Open,” said Davis. “The way the course was set up for that week was unbelievable and it was a dream come true for me to make my first major appearance."

“I played with Brooks after he had just won the US Open again, and before he would win another major, so he was really ramping it up and playing a lot of good golf. That final round at Carnoustie was a lot of fun and I was able to see how my game stacked up against his. It was good to see that my golf could compete with guys who are doing really well on the world stage.”

Sydney-born Davis, who has also secured his PGA TOUR card this year, is returning to his hometown this week when the 2018 Emirates Australian Open is played at The Lakes from 15-18 November and he has his sights firmly set on making a successful defence of his title to claim one of the three qualifying places available for The 148th Open at Royal Portrush.

“To qualify for The Open again would be absolutely awesome and I would enjoy every second of it again. Winning the Australian Open last year was that first step towards having that experience of playing in The Open and I’m ready glad I had the opportunity to do it.

“Another title this week would be awesome. I’m going to have to play a lot of good golf as it’s going to be really tricky. It’s going to take patience as it’s not going to be a birdie-fest out there unless the wind dies down. You need to play smart golf but I’m playing well just now so if everything falls into place for me, things could go the best possible way."

The Australian has previously had a taste of playing Royal Portrush after competing in The Amateur Championship at the iconic Dunluce links in 2014 when he bowed out in the first stage of match play and believes it would count in his favour if he was to make a return there in 2019 for The Open.

“I played in The Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush a few years ago and it was quite wet, soft and windy that week. So, I have seen the golf course before and if I get another chance to play Royal Portrush, it makes a difference knowing that I already have a feel for the course”.

The road to The 148th Open at Royal Portrush begins at the Emirates Australian Open, the first of 16 events in 11 countries that will make up The Open Qualifying Series for 2019.

It will be the first opportunity for players to secure their place at Royal Portrush next year and the leading three players, who finish in the top ten and ties and who are not already exempt, will qualify for The Open.