Ramsay returns after month out with mystery virus

Richie Ramsay is looking forward to "having that purpose again" after being "floored" by a mystery virus that ruled the Scot out of his last three tournaments.

The 41-year-old, who suffers from an ongoing autoimmune issue, was away from all things golf for around four weeks after he took unwell following the Hainan Classic in China.

After missing tournaments in Turkey, Belgium and Austria, the Aberdonian will return to action at this week's KLM Open in Amsterdam.

"I picked up some viral issue and it has kind of knocked me for six," Ramsay told BBC Scotland. "My immune system is a little bit compromised and, whatever it was, floored me.

"Pain, shivers, especially in your muscles, no energy, a lot of time in bed and it got to the point where I couldn't shift whatever it was, so I managed to get on something that made me feel better."

Ramsay, who is a four-time winner on the DP World Tour, explained that he would normally be in the gym during breaks from the tour.

"That still feels like it fulfils your purpose and gives you that dopamine hit with the exercise," he said. "I'm looking forward to getting back, having that purpose again and that competitive edge."

However, Ramsay is taking travelling as a professional golfer with an autoimmune issue all in his stride.

"It is not really a big deal, I have just got to manage it," he added. "I have got an underlying issue, which is more common than you would think.

"It just means that sometimes my immune system isn't as strong as other people's, so with regards to that, I just need to be even more wary of what I do and how I take care of myself."