by Alex Hoad

Local golfers enjoyed mixed fortunes in regional qualifying for the Open Championship at the London Club on Monday.

Bearsted’s Matt Ford, formerly of Marriott Tudor Park, but now unattached, carded a round of 70 and only progressed to the final round in Scotland after a tense play-off.

His day started slowly with a par on a short par-5 and a double-bogey at the second but he gradually improved and was left facing a three-way play-off.

Ford (pictured) said: "For some reason I was nervous at the start and played poorly but I gradually got it back and when we started the play-off I wasn’t nervous at all."

A good drive and a fine 7-iron to within 10 feet of the pin put the pressure on his two opponents and once they had completed pars, Ford used both his putts to win.

He goes through to the final qualifying round at St Andrew’s Bay in Scotland on Tuesday.

Ford said: "I have played there a couple of times before in Europro events and done ok. Not so well the last time but the time before I had the lowest round on one day.

"I have been playing nicely this year, although probably not scoring as well as I’m playing.

"I will keep patient and try to do the right things and see how I can do over the next few weeks."

Maidstone amateur Tom Sherreard missed out on the chance to emulate his Open dream debut of two years ago after missing out at the London Club after a round of 72.

Then 20, Sherreard – who plays out of Chart Hills when not studying at Georgia State University - reached the Open proper at Royal Birkdale and finished 14-over par, just four shots away from claiming the Silver Medal for best amateur.

Mark Wilkinson of West Malling also missed out after a 72.

Do you think Ford can secure a place in the Open? Have your say below.