A NORTH Hampshire golfer is dreaming of competing in The Open at St Andrews after producing an excellent round to claim a place at final qualifying.

Old Basing amateur Jack Owen shot a two-under-par round of 70 at Remedy Oak, in Dorset, to finish in a tie for fourth place at regional qualifying.

That was enough to put the 22-year-old through to the second and final qualifying stage, which will take place on Tuesday.

Owen said: "I had been playing well for a couple of weeks leading up to the event, but I did not expect to qualify as there were only eight places up for grabs. To play as well as I did under pressure was fantastic."

It was a bit of an up-and-down round for Owen. 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.

Owen will travel to Hillside, in Southport, for a competition held over 36 holes on Tuesday. However, with just three spots at The Open available and 72 players in the hunt, the competition will be fierce.

However, if he manages to finish in the top three, the reward would be a place on the start sheet at the home of golf alongside the likes of Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and Justin Rose.

Owen added: "It's going to be really tough to get through. Not only will I be up against all of the best players from regional qualifying, but tour professionals like Francesco Molinari and Matthew Fitzpatrick will also be there.

"It will be a great experience either way and if I have a really good day, you never know.

"Playing in The Open at St Andrews is what everyone dreams of. If I was able to get through, it would be really special."

Owen, who is a member at Sherfield Oaks, is currently studying at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the USA on a golf scholarship.

Two other north Hampshire golfers also competed at regional qualifying.

Basingstoke’s Will Fox failed to reach the next stage after finishing in a tie for 13th at Remedy Oak with a level-par round of 72.

Sandford Springs amateur Chris Blunden’s Open dream is also over for another year.

He finished tied for 39th at Hankley Common, in Surrey, thanks to a round of 75 (+4).