The Open: England’s Andrew Wilson out to make most of ‘Last-Chance’

Wilson will arrive at Royal Birkdale at the weekend and get the chance to practise on the course ahead of Monday’s qualifier when he will play it in full tournament conditions in a tantalising glimpse of what awaits.

The 32-year-old is trying to secure his spot in The Open for the second time, having played at Royal Portrush in 2019 when he finished in a creditable 32nd place.

“That was my first year as a pro, I had my best friend on the bag and I was a lot more naive,” he recalled.

“I was playing some great stuff and it was a great week. Now after being pro for a few years, you’re carrying more expectations. That can be both a blessing and a curse.”

After a disappointing 2025, Wilson dropped down from the DP World Tour to the HotelPlanner Tour, but life on Europe’s second-tier circuit has been a struggle for a player currently ranked 688th in the world.

He is languishing in 112th, so winning this qualifier would be a huge fillip for his year.

As well as the near-miss for The Open, he lost in a play-off at Walton Heath in US Open Final Qualifying in May, so he hopes his luck can change.

“Golf is quite fickle and your season can turn in the space of a few holes,” he said.

“My coach (John Harrison) is going to caddie for me on Monday and I want to focus on taking something positive from the day.

“If I finish second but play well, I can prove to myself that I can compete on a Championship golf course.”