NICK Dougherty is backing his friend and England colleague Zane Scotland to make a big impact in this year's Open.

Sixteen-year-old Scotland is the Open's youngest ever qualifier following his stunning performance at Montrose on Monday.

And Dougherty believes the London-based amateur is capable of springing a few more surprises yet during the next four days.

The pair used to play together in the same England Boys team at under 16 level a couple of years ago.

And Shaw Hill ace Dougherty believes Scotland has the temperament required to survive the perils of Carnoustie.

"I've never played at Carnoustie but it seems a bit of a monster," said Dougherty.

"It's a really tough course and, if it gets hold of you, it can make you look really silly.

"But Zane's a very steady golfer, he does nothing fancy, and that's what's going to be needed.

"I really hope he makes the cut because it would be great for boys' golf if he did.

"But whatever happens, he'll have a great time because simply playing in The Open is a dream."

Dougherty himself would have loved a crack at qualifying for The Open this year but it clashed with his appearance in the European Boys' Team Championship in Sweden, where he led England to victory.

He hopes to enter next year but in the meantime he will be content to keep a close eye on the progress of Scotland, as well as his own coach Nick Faldo, who has continued to give him lessons this year. Spanish sensation Sergio Garcia is another one to watch following his spectacular 62 at Loch Lomond last week.

And Dougherty knows all about his credentials as the pair have crossed swords twice before in the Canon European Under 21 tournament, when the Spaniard was still an amateur. "Garcia's a bit special. He has the all-round game," said Dougherty.

"He's very strong mentally, as well as having all the shots.

"I think he'll definitely make the cut.

"He must be feeling confident at the moment and he's got the length.

"It just depends if he can keep it straight.

"But I think someone really solid like Nick Faldo or Colin Montgomerie will have a chance because you've got to keep it straight consistently."

Meanwhile, Dougherty himself faces a busy schedule on the amateur scene during the next month.

On Saturday he travels down to Southampton to prepare for the English Boys' Championships which are set to take place at Carrif.

From there, he will then travel on to St Mellion in Cornwall for the English Amateur Championship which starts on Monday July 26. Then it's on to Conwy in North Wales for the Boys' Home Internationals as Dougherty aims to lead England to an unprecedented hat-trick following their victories in the World Boys' and European Boys' Team Championships.

And he'll wrap up a hectic four-week spell by contesting the British Boys' Championship at Royal St David's on August 15.

"I suppose the English Amateur Championship is the most important (of the individual competitions)," said Dougherty.

"But I'd really love to win the British Boys if I can.

"And then there's the Home Internationals.

"All we can do now is win the Home Internationals and we've won everything.

"That's never been done before and to do it in my year as captain would be fantastic."

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