Welshman Mark Laskey is relishing playing in The Open Championship next month after coming through Local Final Qualifying via a play-off earlier this week.
The 26 year old is used to plying his trade on the Challenge Tour, but will be mixing it with the world’s best at Royal St George’s in two weeks’ time.
“I absolutely can’t wait to play in The Open,” said Laskey, who fired rounds of 65 and 68 at Rye in Kent and then saw off Inder Van Weerelt in sudden death. “It’s my first Major and it’s the tournament I’ve always dreamed of playing, so I can’t wait to get there.
“I’ve been playing really well for a long time this season but haven’t been getting the results. I knew if I kept playing the same way eventually something would change, and in qualifying I holed a few putts.
“I wasn’t nervous during regulation play, but I had to go back the next day for the play-off, so that night was probably the worst night’s sleep I’ve ever had. I was nervous in the play-off as well, but I hit two great shots on a tough par four and that settled me down a lot and I was very glad to win it after only one hole.”
Laskey, whose best performance on the Challenge Tour was fourth place at last year’s Fred Olsen Challenge de España, believes he has a chance to make a name for himself at The Open.
“I just think I can do well,” he said. “My whole game is there so it’s the perfect opportunity to do well and really leap forward in my career.
“I’d like to play with a big name I’ve not played with before. Maybe an American. Or maybe someone like Lee Westwood, but I’m not sure I’ll be paired with those type of players in the first two rounds. I’ll have to join them in round three!
“I’ve played Royal St Georges once before but it was about ten years ago and I can’t really remember it too well. I love links golf, and my home course is quite linksy so that will be perfect practice for it.
“Just being around and playing in a Major is going to amazing. The atmosphere is going to be great.
“I’ve got all my family and friends coming down to support me – I’m from Hertforshire so it’s not too far to Kent. One of my best friends is going to caddie for me so it will be perfect. He is just as excited as I am.”
