The Banchory member shot an unbeatable 22-under-par 262 after rounds of 65, 63, 67 and 67 to finish well ahead of the field at the Lundin Links.

James' latest success comes only a week after he stormed to victory in the Tennant Cup by seven strokes.

The 20-year-old says he is playing some of the best golf of his life.

He said: "My whole game seems to have come together at the right time and I'm feeling very confident and comfortable. I had a very good summer in 2007 when I finished second in the Scottish Amateur Championship but this past couple of weeks have certainly been my lowest scoring."

Byrne says it requires a different type of mental strength to remain focused when you are ahead by so many strokes.

He said: "Sometimes it can be hard to keep it going. I had a ten-stroke lead at one stage and it is difficult to shoot as low as you possibly can because you are just trying to keep it steady and make sure you don't make any mistakes. It is a different type of pressure but one that I enjoy."

The Arizona State University student has also given himself a chance to rub shoulders with the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Padraig Harrington by making it through the regional qualifiers for this year's Open championship.

Byrne shot a 65 around Musselburgh last Wednesday to put him into one of the three final qualifiers where four qualifying places are up for grabs.

If James can finish in the top four of the 96 qualifiers at Glasgow Gailes over 36 holes this Monday and Tuesday then a place in golf's most prestigious competitions will be his.

James said the chance to play in The Open would be a dream come true.
The former Banchory Academy pupil added: "I'm playing really well at the moment so it couldn't have come at a better time for me. I'm going down for a practice round on Sunday and then on Monday and Tuesday I'm just going to give it my best shot."