Filip Jakubcik

Filip Jakubcik this summer cemented his place as one of the world's top ten amateurs, and following victory at the European Championship in June he confirmed his place at Royal Portrush.

The 21-year-old triumphed by three at the Vasatorp course in Sweden, shooting a superb closing 67 to finish on 8-under-par after being part of a three-way tie for the lead at the start of the final round.

He thus became the first player from Czechia to claim the title whose former winners include Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Nicolai Hojgaard.

Afterwards he said: “It’s crazy. It’s probably every amateur’s goal to play The Open or any other major. The fact that I can get the experience, the feeling - I’m super excited.

"I was trying not to look at the leaderboard and focus on my game. I checked on the 18th in case I had to go super aggressive and became way less nervous.”

The month had begun with him helping the International side beat America at the college Arnold Palmer Cup in South Carolina.