Callum Shinkwin goes into his first major championship at the Open off the back of securing his second successive career-high finish on the European Tour after a blistering last nine holes.

The Moor Park golfer fired the best round of the final day at the Scottish Open with a seven-under-par 65 to finish in a share of eighth place on ten-under-par, four shots behind winner Alex Noren from Sweden.

The 23-year-old Bushey professional had travelled to Castle Stuart in fine form after finishing in a tie for ninth at last week’s Open de France, which secured his place at Royal Troon by virtue of claiming one of the four qualifying spots available to plyers who came inside the top 12 and were not already exempt from next week’s major.

Shinkwin had started the day down the leaderboard following rounds of 74, 69 and 70 but within touching distance of back-to-back top-ten finishes.

He picked up a shot on the par four third to move to four-under – ensuring he made birdie on that hole in all four rounds – but it was on the back nine where the fireworks happened.

Shinkwin birdied 11, 12 and 13 to quickly move to seven-under and, after pars on 14 and 15, he went on another great run and repeated the trick on 16, 17 and 18 to come home in a superb 30 shots.

The 2013 English Amateur Champion was rewarded with almost €100,000 for his efforts and has moved up from 81st to 65th in the Race to Dubai rankings.

The 145th Open Championship gets under way at the South Ayrshire links on Thursday.