OLD Basing golfer Jack Owen was unable to turn his dream of playing in The Open at St Andrews into a reality at Final Qualifying.

The 22-year-old amateur travelled to Hillside Golf Club, in Southport, Lancashire, to compete at Final Qualifying on Tuesday.

He was up against a strong field, with European Tour regulars including Tom Lewis and Matthew Fitzpatrick also bidding to claim one of just three spots available on the day.

Owen certainly didn't let himself down and was in with an outside chance of qualifying at the halfway stage, carding 75 (+3) for the first 18 holes.

However, a birdie-laden charge was needed during the second round of the day if he was to catch the leaders and it didn't happen for the Sherfield Oaks golfer, who shot 78 (+6) in the afternoon.

In the end, he finished in a tie for 39th out of 72 players on +9, 12 shots off what turned out to be the qualifying mark of -3.

Writing on Twitter at the conclusion of his round, Owen typed: "Wasn't to be today, played poor and scored poor! Oh well, next year!"

Australian Scott Arnold, American amateur Jordan Niebrugge and Swede Pelle Edberg all ended on three-under-par to claim their places at St Andrews at Hillside.

Owen, who is studying at Indiana University of Pennsylvania on a golf scholarship, reached Final Qualifying with a good display in Regional Qualifying at Remedy Oak last week.

He chipped in for an eagle at the par-five fifth and recorded four birdies, but also dropped a shot at four holes.

On the final green, he was faced with an 8ft putt for par, knowing that he would probably go through if he made it. He stood up to the pressure, finding the bottom of the cup to secure a place at final qualifying.