Moment of reckoning in push for Open ticket

Saturday 4th July 2009, 11:36AM BST.

The moment of truth for Shropshire’s Open Championship hopefuls arrives on Monday.

No less than six players with county connections will be bidding to come through Local Final Qualifying to book their place in the field for the third Major of the year later this month.

Each of the three qualifying courses will have four places on offer, with 96 players doing battle at the trio of courses over two days and 36 holes.

Jonathan Gidney and Duncan Harris – of Church Stretton and Shrewsbury respectively – will guarantee themselves a share of the spotlight which comes to any amateur qualifier if they can hold their nerve and book their place alongside the game’s elite.

And they will prepare by playing a practice round together at Kilmarnock tomorrow.

Bridgnorth’s David James will be hoping he finally makes the breakthrough at the fifth time of asking at the final stage, while three professionals with county links will also take their chance.

They are former Ryder Cup hero Peter Baker (Lilleshall Hall), Jonathan Lomas (Hill Valley) and Paul Wesselingh (Hawkstone Park).

The tee-off times involving Shropshire players are (Monday/Tuesday): Glasgow-Gailes Links: Jonathan Lomas 9.29/12.51, Peter Baker – 10.46/7.24, David James 11.22/8.00. Kilmarnock: Paul Wesselingh – 8.24/11.46, Duncan Harris – 10.22//7.00, Jonathan Gidney 12.03/8.41.

View more: Bridgnorth news, Church Stretton news, Lilleshall news, Shrewsbury news.