Local hopefuls edge nearer Birkdale

A quintet of Shropshire's leading golfers today stand two rounds away from booking their place in the field for the Open Championship.

Amateurs Duncan Harris, Oliver Farr and Jonathan Gidney all came through local qualifying yesterday.

And two professionals - Matthew Edwards from Hill Valley and Craig Simmons from Patshull - also claimed one of the 13 slots on offer from 100-plus fields at both Enville and Coventry.

The five players will now head up to final qualifying next Monday and Tuesday, which will be staged at four courses around Royal Birkdale, destination for the third Major of the year in two weeks time.

It is expected that four places will be available at each of the four qualifying venues.

Arguably the performance of yesterday came from former Shropshire & Herefordshire first-teamer Simmons, who battled a stomach virus to record a four-under-par 68 at Enville.

That was the second best qualifying score at the West Midlands venue - and earned him £500.

"I woke up yesterday morning feeling awful and was running backwards and forwards to the toilet," said the 22-year-old.

"I really struggled the last few holes and was having to crouch over all the while.

"But I feel a bit better this morning so I will be ready to go."

Full round-up of qualifying - see page 62.