Jamie Rutherford

Took joint second place in the 36-final Final Qualifying event at Prince’s in Kent on June 28, when four places at St Andrews were on offer.

“It feels surreal to have made The Open - it’s not really sunk in and won’t for a few days,” said the Stevenage-born golfer, last season’s leading money-winner on the EuroPro Tour and ranked 580th on the world rankings going into the week.

“I’m super-excited and can’t wait to get out there and have a crack at it. I’ve played the Old Course a few times as an amateur, but it’s been a while. Playing in front of the crowds will be great.”

His last appearances on the DP World Tour were in 2017, his best performance that season being a tie for 25th at the D+D Real Czech Masters.

Turned professional with a plus-four handicap in 2013. Has two EuroPro Tour victories to his name, most recently last October’s Matchroom Tour Championship. Just a year ago he was not even in the game’s leading 1,200.