Tom Lewis

Came through final qualifying last year for his first appearance since he finished joint 30th and top amateur at Sandwich in 2011.

Lewis scored the lowest round by an amateur in Open history when he opened with a 65 to share the lead with Thomas Bjorn. No amateur had been out in front after a round at any major since Mike Reid at the 1976 US Open and he was the first at an Open since Michael Bonallack in 1968– plus he did it partnering five-time champion Tom Watson, after whom he was named.

Turned professional after the 2011 Walker Cup and on just his third start shot a closing 65 to win the Portugal Masters by two. Was named the European Tour’s Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year and at the same event last September returned to winning ways, finishing 61-66 for a three-shot success. Home club is Welwyn Garden City, following in the same footsteps as Sir Nick Faldo.

Went into the Open qualifying last year 430th in the world, but a climb into the top 80 meant he earned an exemption for Royal Portrush off the rankings in the last week of June.