Local qualifying tournaments for the Open Championship took place at 13 venues across the UK on June 20, where just seven places were on offer at each venue to earn a place in Final Qualifying.
In the South East, there were qualifiers held at Burhill, Frilford Heath, Sandy Lodge, Wildernesse and Remedy Oak, with virtually all of them being badly effected by heavy storms, causing numerous hold ups in play.
There was a strong contingent of amateur qualifiers at Remedy Oak in Dorset, where three of the top seven finishers were drawn from the unpaid ranks. Leading the way home was amateur Joe Long (Lansdown GC, Bath), winner of the Gloucester U22 Champiosnhip earlier this season, who shot a stunning five-under 67 over the 7,005-yard championship course, which stood up superbly well to sustained torrential rain.
Professional Henry Smart (Bansted Downs) took second place with an impressive three-under par 69, while there was a four-way tie for third between England international Josh Hilleard (Farrington Park), Harry Hall (West Cornwall), and Banstead professional Louis Hirst, and another pro, Elliot Groves (Hockley).
Those to miss out by the narrowest margins included two Remedy Oak players, Jack Singh Brar and Luke Joy, both of whom finished joint seventh with level par rounds of 72.
In total, 27 amateurs made it through to final qualifying across the 13 venues, which takes place at Gailes Links, Hillside, Royal Cinque Ports and Woburn on June 28. More familiar names to qualify included 43-year-old former Walker Cup player Raymond Russell (Centurion Club), and Danny Poulter, Ian’s brother, who plays out of Bedford GC. Both players shot level par 72s to take the last qualifying spots at Sandy Lodge. The event was won by Essex PGA player Brett Taylor, who fired a one under par 69.
There were no amateur qualifiers at Frilford Heath in Oxfordshire, where former England international Dale Whitnell (Forrester Park) also won with a 69, although it was three under the card.
For the full list of local qualifier results, go to www.theopen.com