Matthias Schmid

Joined the line-up for Royal Portrush by becoming European amateur champion on June 29, thus lifting a trophy previously held by Ryder Cup quartet Sergio Garcia, Stephen Gallacher, Rory McIlroy and Victor Dubuisson.

Schmid won at the Diamond Country Club in Austria by three strokes from Scot Euan Walker, who a week earlier had also just missed out on an Open start by losing the final of the Amateur Championship to James Sugrue. He reached the last 16 of that event himself before moving on to give the performance of his career so far.

A course record 63 in the third round established a two-shot lead, which he extended to six at one point on the final day. "I feel exhausted, but very, very satisfied and happy,” said the University of Louisville player. “I haven't played in any high level professional events, so to have The Open as my first one is unbelievable.

I want to practice with Tiger and Rory, those are my heroes! I'm probably going to watch them play more than I play. Obviously I'm going to try and play well, but at the same time it's just a pleasure to play and a huge honour.