TEENAGER Oliver Mukherjee lived The Amateur dream at Nairn last month after stepping in at late notice.

The 15-year-old savoured the experience in The 126th Amateur Championship over the Highland links.

Late on the Sunday, he came off the reserve list to join a dream grouping for the opening two stroke play rounds to become the youngest player in the field.

After home player Sandy Scott was forced to withdraw with a persistent wrist injury, Mukherjee, who attends Loretto School, Musselburgh, took his place and found himself teeing up alongside two Walker Cup players, Jack Dyer and Mark Power.

Facing the most nerve-wracking first tee shot of his young life, Mukherjee, who lives at Craigielaw, went on to handle himself well and enjoy the occasion.

East Lothian Courier: Oliver Mukherjee, pictured with twin brother Samuel and younger brother Cameron, enjoyed a late call up to The Amateur ChampionshipOliver Mukherjee, pictured with twin brother Samuel and younger brother Cameron, enjoyed a late call up to The Amateur Championship

Joking down the first fairway that he last saw Dyer and Power on television for the Walker Cup showdown at Seminole, the East Lothian player, who plays at Gullane and Craigielaw, lapped up his 36 holes in their company.

“It was a really cool experience, especially playing with two Walker Cup players,” said Mukherjee, who posted a total of 15-over-par to miss out on qualifying for the match play stage.

“It was probably the most nervous tee shot of my life on the 1st but it went right down the middle so it was fine.

“They were really nice and it was good fun.

“They made it look so easy, just really good golf.

“They rolled in putts from everywhere.”

Mukherjee, whose twin brother Samuel and younger brother Cameron are also talented golfers, hopes to continue his golfing scholarship in the USA through the college system.

Also representing East Lothian at the event were Connor Wilson (Castle Park), Angus Carrick (Craigielaw) and Thomas Simmonds (Gullane).

Only Wilson made the cut, with the Gifford golfer going out to Ryan Tattan in the second round of the matchplay.

Dyer said of his young partner: “It was cool, I said: ‘If you want any advice just ask away.’ I had dinner with him as well and gave him some advice. He’s a great kid and has a bright future.”