No fairytale ending but what an unforgettable week it has been

THE fairytale is over – a disappointing 78 in the second round saw me finish on 13-over after 36 holes – but this is a week I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

As was always going to be the case, I suppose, it will go down as a learning experience. The quality of golf shots is the same between an amateur like me and the professionals; the difference is course management but, hopefully, that will come with experience.

Unfortunately, I just didn’t play well in the second round. I got off to a bad start by taking a six – one of my playing partners, Oliver Farr, ran up a ten after losing two balls – and that set the tone.

But I was pleased to birdie the 16th then finish with two pars after being lifted by my pals towards the end. That was a nice boost when I was struggling. The support I’ve had all week was unbelievable and I really appreciate that.

This is the sort of stage I want to be playing on in a few years time and, believe me, I will be working my socks off. My initial thought is that it will be difficult to come back here over the weekend as a spectator, but that is probably disappointment speaking. After all, I’d have been here as a fan if I hadn’t qualified so I’ll no doubt go from inside the ropes to out in the final two rounds.

My next big event is the Scottish Amateur Championship. As luck would it have it, that is being played at Muirfield, which, of course, means I’ll get to stay at home again. I’m looking forward to it, too, and will be aiming to give a really good account of myself.