Regional Qualifying Review

Dylan Keating, the 16-year-old nephew of Boyzone star Ronan, led the way as one of 150 players who reached Final Qualifying for The 148th Open at Royal Portrush.

Keating shot a 66 at regional qualifying in County Louth, one of 13 venues hosting such events, to lead the way at the qualifier in Ireland, ahead of Daniel Sugrue.

There was a lot of intrigue at County Louth with former world snooker champion Shaun Murphy swapping the baize for the greens – but he was not able to progress after carding an 84.

Another golf convert, former Zimbabwe cricketer Sean Ervine, was in action at Frilford Heath, and while he did better than Murphy, his 77 was still not enough.

It was Stowmarket’s Sam Forgan who took top spot as one of 13 qualifiers at Frilford Heath, finishing ten shots clear of Ervine to secure his place at Final Qualifying.

There was good news for 2017 Silver Medal winner Alfie Plant, who moved a step closer to a return to The Open with his performance at Alwoodley.

Plant (pictured) shot one-under to finish tied third and secure his place at the regional qualifier, where there was a seven-player play-off to decide the final five spots, with Josh Morton clinching the final place at Final Qualifying.

Meanwhile, there could be a second Tiger at Royal Portrush, with 15-year-old Tiger Christensen booking his place in Final Qualifying.

The German teenager shot a 69 at Fairhaven to finish joint-fifth and will now have his sights set on challenging for the Claret Jug and joining Tiger Woods in the main field.

Finally, Florida native Stephen Shephard hit a course record 64 at Wildernesse, the best round across the 13 Regional Qualifying events.