John Parry

Has finally made it into The Open after twice qualifying for the U.S. Open – and making the cut on both occasions.

In 2013 the Harrogate golfer, who had won on the DP World Tour at the 2010 Vivendi Cup, finished joint 28th as Justin Rose took the trophy at Merion, then two years later at Chambers Bay he was hoping to improve on that after three solid opening rounds, but fell back instead.

On June 28 Parry came through a play-off against Daniel Kay for the last of four places on offer in the 36-hole Final Qualifying competition at St Annes Old Links.

Both birdied the first extra hole, Parry pitching over a bunker to two feet before winning with a par on the next.

“More than anything it’s handling the pressure,” he said. “It’s still golf, but everyone ramps it up a bit more being a major.

"So I know I can handle playing under a bigger test and that gives me a bit of confidence To have my first open at St Andrews is every British golfer’s dream. I was very close to not playing the (Final Qualifying) tournament, so I’m really really pleased I decided to.”