Michael Block has Scottish success in sights after 27-hour journey

“I didn’t travel 27 hours here to make the cut - I’ll tell you that,” declared the man who became famous in the golf world after a whirlwind appearance in the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill, where the club professional made a hole-in-one in the final round playing alongside Rory McIlroy and tied for 15th place. “I’m 100 per cent here to win!”

Block, who turned 50 in June, is making his debut on the Legends Tour in a field that is being spearheaded by the host and eight-time European No 1 and also includes the likes of Paul Lawrie, Michael Campbell, Paul McGinley, Stephen Gallacher and Jamie Donaldson.

“I am not a legend - just let's just clear that up right now,” insisted Block, who is trying to emulate his compatriot, last year’s winner Bo Van Pelt, by landing this coveted over-50s’ title.

“Unlike a lot of these guys in this event. Colin, he's a legend. Waking up every morning back in the States, I watched him on the European Tour forever. For him to be hosting and for to be at such a venue Trump International is pretty amazing. I'm just happy to be here.”

In an event that has some groups playing with amateurs, Montgomerie and Lawrie will have Anton Du Beke, formerly a dancer on Strictly Come Dancing and now one of the judges on the hit BBC show, for company in Thursday’s opening round.