By Andrew Gidley

Ben Curtis says he will definitely feel nervous when he tees off in The Open at Sandwich next month.

He shocked the golfing world, and probably himself, by lifting the Claret Jug the last time the event was staged at Royal St George’s eight years ago, which turned him from a 300-1 rookie outsider into a millionaire overnight.

The 34-year-old from Ohio returned to the scene of his greatest triumph and admitted: "I am not feeling the pressure now, but I will when the week comes. I want to do well here, and the whole family will be coming over as well. At the moment, though, my driving is good, but my putting is terrible."

Curtis was back at Royal St George’s for some promotional and corporate work as part of Southeastern's launch of their Javelin fast direct train service from London for the event, which between July 14-17 will carry fans from the capital to the course.

He said: "It’s the first time I have been able to look around Sandwich, and it’s a fun, quaint little town. I stayed 15 miles away in 2003, and the night I won I stayed in a house rented by sponsors IMG. I love links golf, and Royal St George’s is a fantastic course."

Former Open champion Ben Curtis, watched by the media, on his return to the scene of his triumph at Royal St George's Picture: Terry Scott