North Berwick teenager Calum Hill took his place among the illustrious field for the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Gullane last week – and enjoyed every minute of the experience.

The Dirleton Avenue resident won his way into the championship proper by virtue of a qualifying tournament, held in his home town the previous weekend, and teed off alongside Richard Green of England and Wales’ Oliver Farr.

Before the tournament began, though, Hill was already rubbing shoulders with some of the most famous players in the world – after playing a practice round with eventual winner, world number nine Rickie Fowler, and his fellow Americans Jimmy Walker and Cameron Tringale after he had spotted the trio on the practice range And he told Courier Sport that his practice round with the stars was a nerve-wracking experience. “I was probably less nervous for my first shot on Thursday than I was for that, it was a fantastic experience,” he said.

Hill was able to pass on some tips to Fowler, which may have proved crucial as he launched a Sunday evening surge to claim the title by one shot.

Hill said: “There were just a couple of blind tee shots and I was able to tell him about them – it wasn’t anything major.

“They were all really helpful, they answered some questions that I had –they’re all just really nice guys.” In Thursday’s first round, Hill carded a five-over par 75, while he found the going tougher on the Friday, as he hit a 78 to stand +13 for the tournament.

Despite not challenging the leaders, the former North Berwick High School pupil did, though, attract one of the biggest crowds away from the star names, as family and friends cheered him on round the Championship Course at Gullane.

Hill said: “Alan Murdoch, my coach, was down every day, and then my family were there – so many people came along, it was great.” And Hill admits it has given him a taste of what is required to mix it with the best in the business.

“It is where I want to be in a few years’ time, so it’s given me lots of little things to work on with Alan,” he added.

The 19-year-old, who spent four years at North Berwick High before moving to Merchiston in the Capital, sung the praises of Murdoch, who is director of the school’s golf academy, describing his coach as “a massive help”.

Hill will now enjoy some rest, and did not attend the final two days at Gullane, choosing instead to watch from home as Fowler claimed victory.

He already has his sights on the Scottish Amateur Championships, which will see him return to Gullane – they are held at nearby Muirfield between July 27 and August 1.