Golfer licking his lips at Old Course test

Thomas Pieters is ready to move right into contention when he arrives in St Andrews.

The Belgian, part of last weekend's European Ryder Cup side, plays on some of the best courses in the world on a weekly basis, but says nothing can compete to the iconic St Andrews links.

Very much in contention to scoop this weekend's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship title, Pieters, sitting at -6 going into the weekend, is relishing teeing it up tomorrow having played well over Kingsbarns and Carnoustie.

He said: "How many times do you get to play it (the Old Course) a year? It's just the one time.

"I didn't play a practice round on it because I was too tired.

"But I know the course. I've been here two or three times, so really look forward to playing the Old Course."

Pieters will arrive in St Andrews with a spring in his step and ready to attack Ross Fisher's lead.

But it's a lead which could have been that easier to take a bite at had he not double bogeyed the 17th at Kingsbarns.

"It's a shame to finish with a double but I was going along nicely and making a few putts.

"Just that 3-putt on 17 hurt.

"But I'm looking forward to playing St Andrews tomorrow."