Michael Saunders says his sights are firmly set on turning pro at the end of the year, despite the looming distraction of the Open Championship in his home county.

The 20-year-old Dartford Golf Club member won the Kent county amateur championships for the second year running earlier this month at Chart Hills and is currently taking part in the British Amateur Championships in Liverpool.

It was Saunders’ second double in quick succession after he staged a successful defence of the Watson Trophy for Kent club champions in April.

However, he said he hoped he wouldn’t be back to try and make it three successive amateur titles next summer, as he wants to have joined the professional ranks by then.

He said: "It is a pretty heavy schedule at the moment. I’ve not been playing too badly and I’m enjoying it. I have had a couple of bad results this year but apart from that, it’s all been going to plan.

"Everything is building up toward the European Tour Qualifying school this year. It’s what it is all about for me. I want to be out there on the Tour, playing well and earning money."

Saunders added: "I have friends who have taken part in the past who I can go to for advice and last year I went to watch it to get a feel for what it’s like.

"The first stage this year is in September with the second and third in November. Hopefully, I can do enough."