Scottish golfer heads home after gaining Open spot

Scottish golfer Ross Bain will enjoy a special homecoming this summer after firing an eight-under-par 64 at Sentosa Golf Club to secure a spot in the 2007 Open Championship at Carnoustie.

The Dunfermline-born player blitzed the Tanjong course with nine birdies to claim one of five places on offer from Open Championship International Final Qualifying – Asia.

Bain finished tied for second with Singapore’s Lam Chih-Bing (66) and Australia’s David Gleeson (68) on eight-under 136, one shot behind first-placed Australian Adam Groom, who fired a three-under 69 to top the field of 73 on nine under par.

The final Open slot went to Australia’s Lee Won-Joon, who birdied the first play-off hole to edge out Korea’s Park Jun-won after the pair finished tied for fifth on seven under.

Having signed for a wrong score after a forgettable first round at Sentosa, Bain was naturally delighted with his fine comeback on Wednesday.

“It’s been a funny day and it’s caught me a little by surprise. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet but to qualify for the Open is fantastic,” said the 31-year-old, who has lived much of his life in Dubai.

“I made a mess of my first round yesterday and then I signed for a 72 instead of a 71. But I didn’t really doubt myself today and I came out and tried to go as low as I could.

“It’s the first major that I’ve qualified and it will be good to get back there. I played some boys’ golf in Scotland although I’ve been living in Dubai since I was seven.”

Local boy Lam was also pleased to secure a spot at Carnoustie after firing two eagles in a six-under 66.

“It’s the first time that I’ve taken part in The Open qualifiers and I really didn’t expect to make it,” said the 31-year-old.

“It’s a dream come true because I’ve always wanted to play in a major but I will have to make some plans in a hurry because I’m getting married in June and I was planning to go to South Africa for my honeymoon!”