Dougherty hopes to draw strength from local fans

Liverpudlian Nick Dougherty hopes to ride the crest of a wave of local support at the British Open to boost his fading Ryder Cup hopes.

The 24-year-old was well in contention for Ian Woosnam’s team to take on the US at the K Club in September after five top-10 finishes in his first nine events.

Since then form has deserted him and he has missed the cut in his last three tournaments, his best finish since mid-March being joint 19th at the Irish Open in May.

“Now I’m well outside the Ryder Cup at the moment and I’ve slipped a long way down the Order of Merit,” he said after his first practice round at Hoylake.

“But strange things can happen. Look at the last two guys to win tournaments, Johan Edfors (last week’s Scottish Open champion) and Stephen Dodd the week before at the K Club.

“Doddy had had a terrible year and goes out and wins a huge tournament like that.

“People’s performances can turn on a sixpence. Form is temporary after all and hopefully I can turn it around here.”