JOE’S OPEN DREAM

BRISTOL amateur Joe Long departed Augusta inspired to take on The Open this summer.

The 23-year-old (below) missed the cut but came back from a humbling opening 10-over-par 82 to shoot ten strokes lower in the second round.

Now Long, who finished second out of the three amateurs, cannot wait for Royal St George’s in July. He said: “It was a great feeling. It was nice to rectify it and I played some solid golf out there. I don’t think I missed a fairway. I still didn’t really get any putts to drop but it made it so much easier.

“It’s helped a lot with experiencing what it’s like at these events. When things aren’t going your way you’ve got to be your own best friend out there.

“I have the Walker Cup in about three weeks which is exciting, then the US Open in June and The Open in July. I’ve a lot to look forward to.”