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Josh Bristow and Richard Wallis are gearing up to fly the flag for Canterbury Golf Club at the Open Championship this year, albeit 350 miles apart.
Plus four handicap and twice former club champion Bristow, aged 25, faces 36 holes of Open qualifying at Prince’s GC in Sandwich on Tuesday for the showpiece event next door at Royal St George’s on July 15-18.
Canterbury club professional Wallis, 40, will be aiming for glory at St Annes Old Links at Lytham in Lancashire with only three places available at four final qualifying venues and a total starting field of 288 hopefuls.
Bristow was promoted into final qualifying thanks to his high R&A world amateur ranking and has been trying to knock off some early season rust in Scotland with his first competitions since last August.
It will be his first time in final Open qualifying having only entered twice before.
He said: “I’ve been in Scotland for a month competing and unfortunately the rust was clear to see as my best finish in three events was only a tied 31st in the Scottish Amateur Championships.
‘’Next up were the St Andrews Links Trophy and the British Amateur Championship at Nairn and in both events I was well placed after the first round but missed the cut.
‘’I’ve come away from these difficult days with many positives that are driving me forward for Prince’s.
‘’I know Prince’s quite well and have been lucky to play the new layout recently.
“These small advantages could make the big difference coming down the stretch on the day. I’m looking forward to giving it my all out there.’’
Wallis has also had preparation time in Scotland. He will be playing a EuroPro Tour event in Montrose this week having finishedtied ninth and tied 21st in the combined PGA Playoffs and Club Professionals Championship at Blairgowrie.
He said: “Unfortunately I didn’t get Prince’s for qualifying which was a bit disappointing so I’m now having to go to Blackpool and St Annes Old Links which I know. I’ve played it four or five times but probably 10 years ago now.
“It’s a big year, I’ve got good prep really, I’ve played three links courses in the last few days and I’m happy with the way I’m playing. There are only three spots so the chances of getting through are very slim but I’m going there having played well, so I’m quite confident.”
