Ramsay raring to go on Russian front

SCOTLAND’S Richie Ramsay makes his professional debut at the Russian Open today accepting the hard work is about to start.

The 24-year-old from Aberdeen last week announced he was leaving the amateur ranks after accepting an invitation to play at the Le Meridien Moscow Country Club.

Last August Ramsay became the first British player since 1911 to win the US amateur title, which earned him earned him entry to the Masters, US Open and Open Championship.

He missed the halfway cut at all three majors and knows playing for a living will be a different experience to just featuring alongside the professionals.

“You do think about the fact this is now your job and it gives you another added motivation to stay out there on the practice ground and treat it more like a nine to five job,” said Ramsay.

“You have to realise that while it is nice to go out and play for four or five hours, there is more to it than that.

“I think if you can put in an adequate amount of time similar to someone doing a normal job then that’s fair enough — but you also have to try to relax and make sure you get the right amount of rest for the week.”

The Russian Open, enjoying its second year on the main European Tour schedule, will not have a full-strength field as the big names are at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational event at Akron in the United States.

However, that does not lessen the significance for Ramsay.

“I am really excited, raring to go and get in the mix,” he added.