Scottish Open: Jimmy Gunn disappointed to be overlooked

Jimmy Gunn is from Dornoch but is now based in Arizona

Jimmy Gunn admits he is "disappointed" not to have received an invite to the Scottish Open despite an admirable performance in the US Open in June.

Gunn, originally from Dornoch, finished joint top Scot at Chambers Bay and hoped that could persuade the European Tour to allow him to play at Gullane.

But Andrew McArthur got the last remaining spot as he was the highest ranked Scot not in the field.

"I'm not really upset, more disappointed," Gunn told BBC Scotland.

"Andrew McArthur got the spot and he deserved it maybe as much as I deserved it, or maybe Bradley Neil."

Gunn was tied for 27th place in Seattle - along with Marc Warren - and holed more birdies at the tournament (18) than any other player in what was judged by many as an overly difficult course.

"I was being aggressive with my putts and maybe with keeping the pace up I was making more than others," he said.

"Yes there were a lot of birdies but obviously had a lot of bogeys and double bogeys. It was a fun week."

Jimmy Gunn holed 18 birdies on a tough Chambers Bay course

The now Arizona-based 34-year-old even flew home to Scotland on Monday in the hope he could win a place at the Scottish Open, which starts on Thursday. But now that he has been overlooked, now plans to go and observe some acquaintances like Rickie Fowler.

Gunn defended Rory McIlroy's decision to take part in a spot of pre-Open football with friends, something that resulted in him rupturing ankle ligaments and more than likely unable to defend his title at St Andrews.

"You say taking a risk but he could have easily done it stepping out of a car or off a kerb or something," add Gunn.

"What's he supposed to do, just sit on the couch and head out for the Open when he's ready? I certainly do things like that - I'm lucky and have never had an injury. But it's just a freak accident probably and I hope he recovers in time but I can't see it."