Spaniard Sergio Garcia has admitted that making his Open debut alongside the late Seve Ballesteros will be in his thoughts when he begins his first round on Thursday morning.

Garcia returns to the course where he made his tournament debut as a 16-year-old in 1996, and he has revealed his experience of playing with fellow countryman Ballesteros will be at the forefront of his mind when he tees off on Thursday.

Garcia said: "I remember the energy that the people gave to him and how excited everyone was. Obviously, I was one of them.

"But I was the one fortunate to be walking inside the ropes. It was something unique."

Garcia is part of a group involving Tiger Woods and Justin Rose for the opening two rounds of the tournament.