by Kevin Redsull

Open-bound Warren Bennett is relishing the challenge of taking on some of the best golfers in the world and insisted, 'I can handle the pressure.'

The 40-year-old Prince's Golf Club, Sandwich, member quit the professional game three years ago to become a caddie following struggles with injury and form.

However he will line up alongside the likes of Tiger Woods, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy in the field at Royal Lytham & St Annes on Thursday for what will be his fifth Open appearance.

Bennett (pictured) first played at Turnberry 18 years ago when he finished as leading amateur and added: "“I know I can handle the pressure in the Open because I’ve done it before and I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s great to be back in the Open but, if I’m honest, I’m already looking beyond Lytham to trying to get back out on Tour again because I feel there have been a lot of wasted years where my golf career is concerned.”

A long-term neck injury, and then a hand injury caused a drop-off in form after Bennett had won seven Challenge Tour events and one full European Tour event – the Scottish PGA Championship in 1999.

However the Broadstairs ace returned to playing last year and credits the regular help of a coach for the first time in his career for his upturn in form this year.

Bennett’s new swing carried him through the Open Regional Qualifying at The London Club in June and then he was one of only three qualifiers for Lytham after Local Final Qualifying at Hillside GC earlier this month, along with Herne Bay’s Steve Tiley.

Do you think Bennett or Tiley can make a mark at the Open? Have your say below.