Anthony Quayle

Was on course for a first Japan Tour victory when he led May’s Mizuno Open by four strokes with a round to play and still held a one-shot advantage playing the 17th. But he was caught by Scott Vincent and then lost the play-off.

Disappointing though that was, four places at St Andrews were on offer in the Open Qualifying Series event and he said: “That will be a lot of fun – but I’m not thinking about that at the moment.”

The 27-year-old went into the tournament ranked 319th in the world, but buoyed by a two-stroke victory at the Queensland PGA Championship in January, followed two weeks later by a tie for second at the TPS Victoria and then back in Japan a career-low opening 61 at The Crowns in April.

He is also a former winner of the Isuzu Queensland Open – that was two years ago – in which he beat compatriot Jack Thompson in a play-off.

Turned professional in 2017 and earned status for the Japan Tour later the same season. While born in Port Macquaire he was raised in Gove in the Northern Territory before heading to the Hills International College just south of Brisbane.