Shropshire’s Duncan Harris was today hoping a magical day on the greens could prove the catalyst for the low round he requires to challenge for a place at next week’s Open.

The Shrewsbury amateur fired a one-under-par 72 in the first of two local qualifying rounds at Kilmarnock yesterday.

That left him in a tie for 35th place following a day of low scores, with four players from 96 at each of the three venues earning a passage to Turnberry.

Harris was five shots behind the top four, but hadn’t given up hope of a late charge.

“It was probably seven out of 10 for the score and five out of 10 for the way I played,” said the Shropshire & Herefordshire first teamer, who practiced alongside Jose Maria Olazabal last night.

“I had 36 putts and three-putted three times, but I worked on my game and my putting when I finished yesterday and I’m feeling good.

“It’s going to take a seven-under-par round to give me a chance – but that kind of score is out there if I can putt well.”

At the same venue, there was frustration for Jonathan Gidney as the Church Stretton player saw his hopes end with a 76.

Gidney was one-under-par after two holes but his fortunes took a dive when he drove out of bounds off the third.

“I was struggling with my swing all day and you don’t want to be in that position for Open qualifying,” said the 22-year-old.

Double Masters champion Olazabal was also none too confident about winning a place after an opening 70.

“I really need something very special and the way I am playing it’s not looking very promising,” said the Spanish star.

Austria’s European Tour professional Markus Brier had the best score of the day at Kilmarnock with a nine-under-par 64 – and former Hawkstone Park professional Paul Wesselingh kept himself in the hunt with a two-under-par 71.

Over at Glasgow-Gailes Links, Bridgnorth professional David James found himself six shots off the top four places following an opening four-over-par 75.

The damage was done in the final seven holes when James dropped five shots.

Jean Van de Velde, runner-up at Carnoustie 10 years ago, managed only a 76 there and looked certain to miss out on Turnberry.

And it was the same story for former Hill Valley professional Jonathan Lomas who signed for a 77 at that course.