Barclay Brown

A member of last year’s Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team at Seminole in Florida, Brown was an impressive three-stroke winner of the 36-hole Final Qualifying tournament at Hollinwell on June 28.

The Stanford University student opened with a four under par 68 and followed up with a level par 72 to be only two amateurs to make it to St Andrews by that route, the other being Amateur Championship runner-up Sam Bairstow at St Annes Old.

He partnered Matt Fitzpatrick’s brother Alex at the Walker Cup and although they suffered last-hole losses in both foursomes he had a win and a half in his two singles in America’s narrow 14-12 victory.

Now, of course, he will be competing alongside the new U.S Open champion at the Home of Golf. ]

“Matt was unbelievable (at the U.S. Open) and it was incredible to watch him,” he said.

“He’s texted me to say congratulations, which is really nice of him, and hopefully I can play with him early in the week. I played St Andrews with my parents when I was 10 or 11, but not since. I’m just really excited - it’s something I’ve wanted to do for many years."