Khan on stand-by for US Open

Simon Khan is ready to fly to California at the end of next week if he thinks there is any realistic chance of him being called into the US Open field.

Khan’s stunning victory in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth two weeks ago - he was 471st in the world at the time – did not earn him a place at Pebble Beach.

The following day he went to Walton Heath to try to qualify, but missed out in a six-man play-off for the last five spots.

Back in action tomorrow in the Wales Open at Celtic Manor, the 37-year-old from Essex is now waiting to hear from the United States Golf Association where he ranks amongst the stand-bys for the second major of the year in two weeks’ time.

“I’ve got a tentative booking on a flight. If I’m first reserve I’ll definitely go and if I’m second or third I’ll have a decision to make, but I think I still would.”

Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie said last week he felt a win in the European Tour’s flagship event might have earned Khan a call-up.

“You feel that after his win the USGA might have invited him to play and not made him try to qualify,” said the Scot, who also failed to qualify, but missed out by three shots.

“Unfortunately that wasn’t the case and unfortunately he missed out at the play-off because to get into the Ryder Cup team playing in the majors is a definite advantage.”

Khan has received “hundreds” of messages since his life-changing success.

“By Wednesday last week it started to sink in – and then it hits you,” said the man who last November lost his Tour card and had to make his 10th trip to the qualifying school.

“I’m still taking it in, but I want it to be part of the journey.”

The first prize of over £637,000 has now given him a chance to make a Ryder Cup debut in October at Celtic Manor, the venue for his only previous Tour victory in 2004.

Asked about his expectations for this week’s tournament – it is on the Twenty Ten cup course for the third time – he added: “That was the main thing I got out of Wentworth.

“I played a massive round like that without any expectations and I think that was the key to me winning.

“I remember Lee Westwood talking about it at The Open. When you are in contention your mind wanders ahead and to get it back on the round is easy to say, very hard to do – but I managed it.”

What helped him to do it was a saying he read on the internet that week. “The will to win and the commitment to excel is more important than what occurs.”