Open Championship 2015: Marc Warren leads Scottish challenge

Warren shot a final round 64 at Gullane to finish two shots behind Scottish Open winner Rickie Fowler

Marc Warren goes into this week's Open boosted by a tie for fourth at the Scottish Open and a jump to Scotland's highest ranked player.

The 34-year-old from Glasgow is up to 56th on the world list, overtaking compatriot Stephen Gallacher.

Four missed cuts in his last five outings has seen Ryder Cup star Gallacher drop down to 66th.

US-based Russell Knox, who finished 10th at the Scottish Open, is up to 73rd.

Like Knox, Aberdeen's Richie Ramsay (ranked 81) will tee off at St Andrews on Thursday, with both men making the field via the reserve list.

Former winners Paul Lawrie and Sandy Lyle make up the home contingent at the 144th Open.

"I'm reasonably fit, not 100%, but good enough to stand up and give it a hit," Lawrie told BBC Scotland during the Scottish Open at Gullane.

Warren, who tied for 39th place on his Open debut last year, has twice finished third at the Scottish Open and hopes his form on home soil continues in Fife.

"My record in Scotland is pretty good," he said.

"This will be my first Open at St Andrews and I can't wait to get going and sample the atmosphere."