Sandy Lyle chips in for a final flourish

Shropshire's Sandy Lyle bowed out of the Open today – but not without a fond farewell.

The 53-year-old, who was born in Shrewsbury, followed up yesterday's first round 73 with a 76 to end on nine-over-par and well outside the cut line.

The damage was done with four bogeys and two double bogeys as conditions gradually became more difficult as the morning wore on with a freshening breeze.

But, on the course where he won the Open back in 1985, Lyle gave his fans something to cheer when he chipped in for a birdie on the 18th green.

Yesterday he was on course for a decent opening round of one over until two dropped shots in the last two holes cost him dear.