There's only one thing Australian golfer Matt Jones craves to cradle more this week than the Claret Jug - a healthy baby bub.
While Jones is in Scotland for a fourth British Open assault, his wife Melissa is back at their US base waiting to have the couple's third daughter.
"The due date was two days ago," Jones told AAP ahead of the Thursday's first round at Carnoustie.
The timing's awkward but the 2015 Australian Open champion says "missing the cut" back home in Arizona is a sacrifice he's prepared to make for the chance to win golf's oldest and most prestigious championship.
"It's fine. It's my third," said the US PGA Tour star.
"I've been there before. I've been there for the first two. Of course I'd like to be there but I have to try and block it out.
"I have to be here to play golf and work and try to do the best I can."
Somewhat fortunately, Jones tees off in the very last group for round one, leaving him with every chance he'll learn the good news before he sets out.
"My phone's on the whole time. Normally it's never on," he said.
"l'll check my phone when I'm on the golf course just to see, more so for the sake of if they're both okay.
"If something's wrong, I'll leave.
"But that's the reason I'll check."
Family planning aside, Jones heads into the Open on the back of a solid 12th-place finish at the John Deere Classic in ..... on Sunday.
Believing his game's in good shape and after a tie for 30th three years ago at St Andrews - where he held the early lead after a flying start to his opening round - Jones is excited about what his fourth Open appearance might offer up.
"I'm just trying to figure out the golf course. I haven't played here since '98, but I can't remember the golf course," he said.
"But my game's been good in the States. It's completely different to here and the style of golf we're going to need here.
"But I'm looking forward to it."
