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What has two thumbs and is really excited to be playing in the Scottish Open? This guy
There's a good chance you don't know who Ryan Evans is. We don't know who Ryan Evan is. In fact, we're pretty sure his Thursday playing partners didn't even know who Ryan Evans was until he showed up on the first tee.
But we can guarantee this: No one is happier to be playing in the Scottish Open this week.
After the tournament's first alternate made an eight-hour drive from Birmingham, England to Castle Stuart Golf Links on Wednesday night, Evans was rewarded when Chris Wood was a late scratch. Not only did Evans get into the event, he took Wood's spot in one of the marquee groups. Here was his reaction on Twitter:
We think you spelled Henrik wrong, Ryan, but we'll forgive you. You were just a tad excited.
And why not? Evans entered the week No. 581 in the Official World Golf Ranking and just 174th in the Race to Dubai standings in his first full year on the European Tour. The Englishman will also be playing in his first major championship at next week's British Open after finishing second in a qualifier.
On Wednesday, however, Evans, 29, took quite a road trip. And he provided details:
Then he gave a few more updates on Thursday morning:
It wound up being a bad neck that gave him his chance, and so far, he's taken advantage. Evans shot a one-over-par 73 on Thursday, hanging with his big-name playing partners Kaymer (even) and Stenson (plus four). Look at this putt!
No matter how this week ends up, he's got one thing going for him. The drive to Royal Troon won't take nearly as long.