Furness golfer from Walney so close to The Open Championships

Rob Spence made it through to the final qualifiers at St Anne's Old Links where he shot -6 in the first round which put him in real contention for getting into The Open this year.

Unfortunately, disaster struck as his driver shaft went and needed to be replaced, which threw off his game in the second round, leading him to score an even par overall.

"It was brilliant to be involved in the event and it was really exciting to be in such a good position after the first round," the 40-year-old said.

"In the second round my driver shaft went and I had to go into the pro shop to change it then it was in my head for the rest of the round.

GOLF: Rob Spence

"I was a bit gutted not to make it through.

"It was always going to be difficult once I had to change my driver shaft."

In the regional qualifiers Mr Spence made the top 10 and had to make it in the top three in the finals to make it to The Open.

In the end he did not manage to get there in what was his fourth appearance at the finals.

The Vickerstown resident admitted anything can happen on a links course despite his years of experience playing at Furness Gold Club, and the wind picking up in the afternoon did not help his troubles.

"It was a great experience and to be involved and seeing my name on the leader board was really exciting," he said.

SUCCESS: Leaderboard featuring Rob Spence

"The support I received was great, my wife was at work constantly checking the scores and my dad had to go and play some golf instead because he couldn't watch."

He went on to say how glad he is just to be out playing again after the Covid pandemic and said he is not sure where his brilliant form has come from.

Furness Golf Club

The Walney man thanked his wife, children, parents, and all his friends for their messages of support as well as his two caddies who helped him throughout the qualifiers.