Ford chasing his dream
Matt Ford has his best chance yet to reach The Open.
He goes into Final Qualifying at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal on Tuesday, buoyed by an impressive first year on the European Tour.
There will be little room for error as only the top three in an 80-man field qualify for next month’s Open at St Andrews.
But the Bearsted golfer has proved he can live with the sport’s big names, enjoying a best finish of second place at the Africa Open. Ford, 37, said: “I’m looking forward to playing at Deal, I like the course and know it well.
“I am feeling confident after the last six months and the experiences I have had should make me feel more comfortable with the qualifying process, which is tough.
“There will be three spots from 80 people and the field will be strong, with lots of European Tour players.”
Not only is The Open Ford’s favourite event, he’s also a big fan of this year’s venue.
He said: “It’s a dream of mine to do well in The Open and I haven’t played in one yet, so I would love to get in and especially at St Andrews, which is one of my favourite places in the world.
“It’s also my favourite tournament. Playing in European Tour events is a step up from the Challenge Tour and the Majors are a step up again but at least it’s not as big a step from the European Tour.
Ford carded a two-underpar 70 in the first round of the BMW International in Munich yesterday (Thursday).
Benn Barham and James Jones claimed victory at the second Leeds Castle Pro-Am tournament.
The pair both carded one-under-par 33s on the nine-hole course, beating 21 other teams to top the leaderboard.
Barham said: “Of the ninehole courses I’ve played, this was an impressive experience and one of the most picturesque, with the castle in sight most of the time – I enjoyed it.
“The wind made things pretty tricky but the course is in great condition and the greens excellent.”
Jones said: “I enjoyed the refreshingly different nine-hole format to the usual 18-hole one.
“With the constant presence of one of the UK’s most beautiful castles, the golf course is unique.”