Sam Hutsby

Makes his Open debut, indeed his major debut, at the age of 35 after returning rounds of 67 and 69 and for a three-stroke victory in the 36-hole Final Qualifying event at Dundonald Links, where four Royal Troon spots were being offered.  

Yet his first appearance was so nearly 15 years ago when he reached the final of The Amateur Championship at Formby before losing 4&3 to Matteo Manassero, who at the age of 16 was the youngest-ever player to hold the prestigious trophy aloft.

Hutsby reached sixth on the amateur world rankings that season and represented Great Britain and Ireland alongside Tommy Fleetwood in the Walker Cup at Merion, where he faced 2023 Champion Golfer of the Year, Brian Harman, in the opening foursomes and then Rickie Fowler in the afternoon singles.

Lost both those games, but won two points on the Sunday. Immediately turned professional and came second at the DP World Tour qualifying school. Was twice a winner on the Challenge Tour since then and in his last appearance on the main circuit tied for 11th in February’s Magical Kenya Open