On FIVE

courses spread about Britain, 350 players will compete over 36 holes today, striving for just 15 places available to play in the Open at Birkdale.

They include Ian Poulter, who won a Ryder Cup for Europe, and Marc Warren, who won a World Cup for Scotland.

Just a month ago, Eddie Pepperell was good enough to finish in the top 16 at the US Open but still he has to prove himself good enough to play in the Open. For this trio, it is not quite the end of the line if they don’t make it. There are still some spots available for high finishes in the Irish and Scottish Opens.

But for the wannabes and the dreamers, the humble club pros who’ve shown they’ve still got game and the plus-handicap amateurs with heads filled with romance, this is the day to stir memories that really will last a lifetime.

Score low, gents. Score low.