Ford focus on getting into Open

TIM FORD moved a step nearer his dream of qualifying to play in the Open – and then headed into work.

The rookie professional finished top of the regional qualifying field at West Lancashire Golf Club.

But his early start meant the 25-year-old from Huyton still had time to report for duty at the Liverpool Golf Centre in Netherley, where he is taking his qualifications with the Professional Golfers Association.

Ford, who only turned professional last year, returned an excellent three under par 69 over the links course at Blundellsands.

“I was pleased with the score but surprised that so few finished under par, given what good condition the course was in and how true the greens were,” he said. “I hung around for a little while after my round, but then I had to come into work.”

Eight players went through to final qualifying from West Lancashire, including the only other five players to break par on 71.

They included three amateurs in Wallasey’s Joshua McMahon and Paul McFerran, who plays out of Warrington GC.

They were joined by Southport and Ainsdale’s Sean Towndrow, who clinched the Lancashire County Championship title earlier this month.

Professionals Liam Hancock (Blue Group) and Francis McGurk (Prince’s) completed the contingent on 71.

The remaining two places were decided by a play-off with Liverpool’s Paul Kinnear (Formby GC) – who played in the 2015 Open at St Andrews as an amateur – agonisingly missing out after going round in level par earlier.

However there was joy for Royal Liverpool amateur Matthew Jordan – who has been in superb form this season, capped by a winning performance at the St Andrews Links Trophy – and Daryl Ley (Hawksworth).

Final qualifying takes place next Tuesday at five venues – including Hillside in Southport – with just 15 coveted places at Royal Birkdale in July up for grabs from a starting line-up of 360 players.