Oldcorn hopes to overtake opposition at Scottish Senior Open

In-form Barry Lane is the man to beat in the 20th edition of the event, having lifted the title for the last two years at Fairmont St Andrews.

The former Ryder Cup player captured his maiden European Senior Tour title in the event two years ago before successfully defending his crown in dramatic fashion 12 months ago. Then, Lane, sporting a snazzy pair of tartan trousers, eagled the closing hole on the Torrance Course to finish two shots clear of American Gary Koch.

He now has the chance to complete the hat-trick and become the first player to win the same tournament three times in a row since compatriot Carl Mason achieved the feat in the English Seniors Open.

Lane heads to the home of golf in fine form, having tied with Mason as the leading European player in last month’s Senior Open Championship at Turnberry.

“I love links golf and I love playing in Scotland,” said Lane. “Obviously it suits my game.

“I was very happy with the way I played in The Senior Open Championship so I’m looking forward to going back to Fairmont St Andrews. I can’t wait.”

Oldcorn, who missed the cut at Turnberry, finished 19th on his debut in this event two years ago before tying for 22nd 12 months ago.

Having slipped to 11th on the European Senior Tour money-list, he’ll be aiming to improve on those two perfomances over the next three days.

The former PGA champion is joined in the field by Sam Torrance, the last home winner at Dalmahoy six years ago, as well as other compatriots in Gordon Brand Jnr and Ross Drummond.

Rookie Stephen McAllister, who is playing out of The Renaissance, is also making his debut in the event while former Musselburgh pro Fraser Mann has secured a sponsor’s invitation after losing his card for this season.

The event carries a £250,000 prize fund as it is sponsored for the first time by SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy).