Published: Thursday, 3rd July, 2008 12:05pm

Fisher targets Open glory

by Charles Watts

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Ross Fisher hit rounds of 66 and 68 to qualify for this month's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

SEVERAL of the world's top golfers turned out at a sun-drenched Sunningdale on Monday trying to qualify for the Open Championship which kicks off at Royal Birkdale in a fortnight's time.

Names such as Jose Maria Olazabal and Darren Clarke had thousands of fans heading to the famous Berkshire club, but it was local lads Ross Fisher and Anthony Wall who stole the show.

Fisher finished on six under par for his two rounds while former Charters school pupil Wall finished one shot back on five-under as both made sure of their attendance at the world's most prestigious golf tournament.

Fisher, who was born at Ascot's Heatherwood hospital and had a scholarship at Virginia Water's Wentworth Golf Club, hit 66 during his morning round on the Old Course before his afternoon round of 68 on the New Course ensured his qualification.

It was a memorable day for the local favourite who was cheered on by a number of his friends and family throughout the event.

He told The News: "I've played here a number of times which did help. Being a local lad I was fortunate enough to have won the Sunningdale Foursomes here a couple of times so I know the place well.

"And I've got good memories from being here last year when I qualified after a level par morning round and a 64 in the afternoon."

He added: "To shoot two rounds under par today was very pleasing. Now I have another Open to look forward to and I can't wait for that. I was at Carnoustie last year but didn't make the cut so I want to make sure I go one better this time around."

Fisher and the other 119 competitors had to endure wilting heat as they tried to claim one of the 18 places that were available for Birkdale.

The 27-year-old admitted the heat was a real factor but he was determined not to let it get the better of him.

He said: "It was tough work out there. It was just a matter of not getting too tired. I made sure I drank a lot of water and ate lots to keep my energy levels up.

"I feel tired now but I think the adrenaline kept me going and kept me on track. To be fair I thought I played really well.

"It was great having the support of my family. A few of them followed this morning and a few more came this afternoon.

"To have them here walking around means a lot, you want to do as well as you can for them and fortunately I managed to sneak a few birdies coming in and got through."

Bracknell's Barry Lane, who used to be the club professional at Downshire Golf Course, was also in the field but two rounds of 73 were not enough to get him to Birkdale.

Round of the day went to Swede Alexander Noren who hit a stunning 63 on the New Course to add to his morning's 72 on the Old Course and cement his place at the Open.

The event ended in exciting fashion as a six man play-off was needed to decide the final two qualifying places with Olazabal's attendance meaning the crowds stayed past 9pm to see the dramatic conclusion.

The popular Spaniard, who was making his return after a spell out injured, fell at the final hurdle, however, and was pipped by Englishmen Simon Dyson and Peter Baker, who grabbed the final two spots.

General Manger of Sunningdale Golf Club Austin Gravestock was delighted with the success of the event.

He said: "It was a great day for everyone. We're all pleased with how it went, as were the R&A and the European Tour. The course was great, the sun shone and the crowds were treated to some excellent golf."

* The Women's Open Championship will be held at Sunningdale at the end of the month.

The event, which runs from July 31-August 3, will feature the top names in women's golf such as Laura Davis, Annika Sorenstam and world number one Lorena Ochoa.

Tickets can be purchased now from Ticketfactory.com or bought on the door.

Parking will be at Charters School and there will be a free shuttle bus to take spectators to course.