Lothians hopefuls begin road to The Open

The road to The Open starts today for a large band of Lothians hopefuls at Panmure and Goswick.
Bruntsfield's Stuart McLarenBruntsfield's Stuart McLaren
Bruntsfield's Stuart McLaren

They are among 13 venues around Great Britain & Ireland staging regional qualifiers – the first of two stages in the battle for spots in next month’s Claret Jug joust at Carnoustie.

Among the hopefuls at Panmure are Livingston-based Chris Doak and Paul McKechnie, who is based at Braid Hills Golf Centre.

A sizeable amateur contingent also includes on-form Bruntsfield Links man Stuart McLaren.

Heading to Goswick, meanwhile, are brothers Lloyd and Zack Saltman, as well as James Ross and Neil Henderson.