A FORMER Dunbar Grammar School pupil outplayed a host of famous names at The Open Championship to claim an impressive finish.

David Drysdale was the second highest placed Scot at the prestigious competition, which came to a close at Royal Birkdale on Sunday evening with Jordan Speith lifting the famous Claret Jug.

Drysdale, who was joined by his wife Victoria – whom he met at the Dunbar secondary school – as his caddy, finished joint 27th, ahead of famous names such as Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els and Justin Rose.

The 42-year-old carded rounds of 72, 73, 66 and 70 to finish one-over-par on 281, including 12 birdies over the four rounds. The score was enough to see him finish one shot behind Rickie Fowler, who won the Scottish Open at Gullane two years ago.

Former Dunbar Grammar School headteacher Will Collin offered his congratulations to his former pupil, who grew up and lives near Cockburnspath.

He said: “He clearly had the talent to become a top golfer. He has been one of Scotland’s top golfers since he became a professional.

“Derek Small, who was the professional at [Dunbar Golf Club] East Links, was very supportive of him and was convinced he had what it took to become a professional.

“He has been thereabouts for a lot of years now and it was great to see his name on the world stage, with his name on the leaderboard at The Open. I have nothing but admiration for his single-mindedness.”

Drysdale, who was back playing at Eyemouth Golf Club on Tuesday afternoon, has enjoyed an impressive run of form. Earlier this month, he claimed joint fourth at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, which secured him £211,000.

Spaniard Jon Rahm raced to glory at the tournament at Portstewart, with Drysdale hitting 21 birdies over the four rounds.

including seven in succession on the back nine on his final round.finish tied with Ryan Fox, Justin Rose and Daniel Im.

Full results can be found at TheOpen.com