Englishman Paul Waring has set his sights on claiming a place in the Open after rallying in spectacular fashion at Royal Aberdeen yesterday.
The man from the Wirral endured a horrendous end to his first round on Thursday, but recorded an excellent five-under-par 66 to end his day one under for the tournament.
With three places in the Open at Hoylake next week on offer the 26-year-old would love to seal his place in his home event.
He said: “It would be nice to have a week in my own bed next week and play there and if I can get off to a good start tomorrow who knows? This is a week where big things could happen if I get off to a quick start and it’s calm.
“I went out early and got the best of the conditions. I reached the 10th at four under and was very happy.
“I had it flat calm for the front nine today which let me get back into the tournament. It’s only going to get tougher as the 18th is playing really tough.”
The 66 was a remarkable revival in fortunes following Waring’s four over 75 in the first round but despite his drastically differing fortunes he remains a huge links admirer.
He said: “I’m very happy after yesterday’s disaster towards the end. I hit the scoreboard at 15 off the tee which put me a good few yards back in the rough. I then doubled 18 which set me back. I was almost driving holes yesterday and then having to hit four or five irons today on the same holes so it’s really testing but I wouldn’t change a thing.
“I love links golf. I grew up in the Wirral and played a lot of links golf there. I really enjoy it and wish we had more tournaments on links courses.”