County four eye trip to Open

Three young Shropshire amateur golfers today stand on the brink of achieving the pinnacle in their sport - booking a place at The Open Championship.

Teenagers Richard Prophet and Oliver Farr, and Jonathan Gidney - who turned 20 only last month - all came through regional qualifying at Enville yesterday.

And that leaves them just two rounds away from lining up alongside the world's greatest players in golf's biggest tournament at Carnoustie three weeks today.

Bridgnorth professional David James will also join the trio at final qualifying, which will be played on four Scottish courses next Monday and Tuesday.Yesterday proved particularly nerve-wracking for Ludlow's Farr and Prophet, who plays at Shifnal.

The duo carded one-over par rounds of 73 on the Highgate course at Enville, leaving them in a 10-man play-off for the last six slots of the 16 on offer.

Both were in the second five-ball to play the par-five first and the pair fired their second shots into bunkers before both getting up-and-down to claim one of the most important birdies of their short careers.

A delighted Farr said: "Richard and I are good friends so it was great to be in the same group for the play-off and we were talking to each other going down the fairway and trying to pull each other through.

"I had seven birdies and six bogeys yesterday so if I can eradicate the mistakes I have a chance."

Prophet added: "There was a lot of pressure but thankfully it went my way and now anything can happen."

Gidney avoided the play-off after posting a level-par 72 - but immediately headed for his first lesson in two years.

"I played pretty well but I wasn't quite sure where the ball was going all the time," said the Church Stretton youngster. "I never have a lesson but I have one booked for this morning."

Three birdies and three bogeys leaves Bridgnorth-based James with just one more hurdle to clear to reach qualifying. Three qualifying spots will be available at each of the four venues.