‘Crazy round’ for Mcnicoll in Open qualifier at Panmure

Keir Mcnicoll survived a “crazy round” to progress in regional qualifying for the 146th Open Championship as Raymond Russell set up the chance of re-living his best memory in golf’s oldest major at Royal Birkdale.

Players had travelled from the United States, Spain, Iceland, germany and south africa for the qualifier at Panmure only to see the top two spots at the Angus venue claimed by Carnoustie duo Mcnicoll and Will Porter.

Decorated PGA pro Mcnicoll, who recently returned to the town to take up a post with Carnoustie Golf Links, and amateur Porter carded matching two-under-par 68s to advance to next week’s final qualifying.

Mcnicoll finished with a flourish, picking up three birdies in the last five holes, while 2015 Scottish Boys champion Porter, in contrast, laid the foundations for his score by picking up two shots in the first five holes.

“It was a bit of a crazy round,” said Mcnicoll of his effort. “I hit one of the worst shots of my career on the fourth tee, topping a 2-iron on to the ladies’ tee, and also lost a ball in a bunker on the par-3 9th.

“But I kept a really cool head then played a really good back nine, where my birdie on 18th was a bonus as it’s a demanding hole off the back tee into the wind.

“It was a good result for Carnoustie, too, with Will also getting through. We played a practice round last week together and he took a few quid off me. But. as he is still an amateur, I get the cheque today.”

Paul Shields (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre) birdied the first play-off as he also progressed at the same venue, where the fourth spot went to Spaniard Francisco Pintor Smith as he eventually prevailed at the expense of compatriot Daniel Alonso.

Lothians man Russell, who finished fourth behind Mark O’meara at Royal Birkdale in 1998, passed another of the regional tests at Sandy Lodge, finishing in a tie for second at the Hertfordshire venue after a two-under 68.

Three Scots – Paul Robinson (Largs), Fraser Moore (Glenbervie) and Ryan Campbell (Falkirk) – were among eight players to progress at Frilford Heath. Campbell won a tenman play-off for one spot.