Saltman won't turn professional yet

Lloyd Saltman insisted he will not turn be turning professional in the immediate future after securing the silver medal in dramatic fashion.

The 19-year-old Walker Cup player is bound to be pestered by agents after emphasising his position as Britain’s top amateur.

But after closing with a five under par total of 283, he said: “I am not going to change any plans.

“I am looking forward to the Walker Cup and it may be another two years before I turn pro.”

Saltman edged out fellow Scot – and fellow qualifier – Eric Ramsay by one shot.

Saltman putted up and over the valley of sin from 30 yards to two feet and celebrated as the ball dropped into the hole for a 71.

“I needed that. I saw what Eric shot in the morning and it was a great birdie,” said Saltman.

“The Walker Cup is my main goal, but winning the medal at the home of golf is a fantastic bonus for me.

“You have got to enjoy people watching and cheering you on.

“I got to two under today (and six overall) and then hit a couple of slack shots. That happens.”

Yet his Open dreams almost came to a dead stop at the first hurdle, regional qualifying.

He finished joint 14th at Renfrew and only clinched a place in the final qualifying through a play-off.

Saltman explained: “Looking back it seems months ago. Sometimes you need a bit of luck.”

Ramsay set down a difficult marker with a closing 68 and a four under par total of 284.

When Saltman moved to six under after 12, it seemed the medal was in the bag - however he then bogeyed 13 and 17 to bring him level with Ramsay.

Saltman then showed a maturity beyond his years to get the birdie when needed with the medal staying in Scotland for a second successive year following Stuart Wilson’s victory.

Ramsay, from Carnoustie, showed great form and chalked up five birdies in a closing 68.

“I am very happy that I played well on the last day, ” he said.

“I went out to enjoy myself first and foremost and post a good number for Lloyd and Edoardo (Molinari) to catch.

“It has been the best experience of my life. It has been good fun.”

The Italian Molinari, two shots adrift of Saltman at the start of play, saved his worst round to last by posting a 75.

European amateur champion Matthew Richardson from Middlesex had another disappointing day at the Old Course. He finished with a four over par 76.