Ashley Chesters may go pro after Open

The 25-year-old, who plays out of Hawkstone Park, finished tied for 12th on nine under par after shooting 69 in yesterday's final round at St Andrews.

Chesters opted to remain in the amateur ranks after claiming last year's European title, which earned him an Open qualifying spot.

But he will now consider going pro after playing in the Walker Cup, which takes place in September.

He said; "I will probably wait and play the Walker Cup now. Hopefully, this has not done me any harm in getting picked for that.

"Then I will possibly turn pro after that. I have got to go back and defend the European amateur title, it will be that and the Walker Cup."

Chesters admitted his final round might have been even better, after a breathtaking start saw him birdie five of the opening 10 holes and go flying up the leaderboard.

He then missed an eagle chance on 14 which would have seen him tied for the lead, before a double bogey at the next hole saw him fall out of contention.

He said: "It's crazy to think I could have had a putt to lead the Open on the final day."

Incredibly, Chesters' efforts weren't enough to earn him the Silver Medal prize for top amateur.

Instead, he had to settle for a share of second place with American Oscar Schniederjans, whose countryman Jordan Niebrugge finished two shots better off.

Chesters added: "I can't complain too much because I think I have done well anyway."

American Zach Johnson won the Open in a play-off, after he Louis Oosthuizen and Marc Leishman had finished tied at 15 under.