Former Kansas State golfer Robert Streb ready to compete in his first British Open

It’s been a season of firsts for Robert Streb on the PGA Tour.

Streb, a 28-year-old who played in college at Kansas State and currently lives in Shawnee, got his first Tour victory last October at the McGladrey Classic.

He played in his first major championship at this year’s Masters, and made the cut in a major for the first time at last month’s U.S. Open.

Now Streb is set to play in the British Open for the first time starting Thursday at St. Andrews in Scotland.

“I am really excited,” Streb said. “I have never been to Europe.”

After finishing in a tie for 42nd at the U.S. Open, Streb made it into a playoff in last week’s Greenbrier Classic. Although that playoff was won by Danny Lee, Streb said his solid play has given him confidence.

“Things are going pretty well,” Streb said. “My ball striking is good, and my putting is going well.”

Streb said he is looking forward to being in the same British Open field as Kansas City native Tom Watson, a five-time champion who at age 65 likely will be playing in his final British Open.

“It’s pretty cool,” Streb said. “I am really looking forward to it.”

Streb has seven top-10 finishes in 22 tournaments this year and is seventh in the FedEx Cup season standings, and that solid play has been noticed by Watson.

“I am happy for him,” Watson said. “He has good fundamentals. He has turned into a really good player.”

The field also includes former University of Kansas golfer Gary Woodland.

Woodland qualified for his fourth British Open, His best finish was a tie for 30th place in 2011.

Woodland has had four top-10 finishes in 18 tournaments this season and is 25th in the FedEx Cup standings.

This story was originally published July 11, 2015 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Former Kansas State golfer Robert Streb ready to compete in his first British Open."