Irish amateur Liam Nolan putting no extra pressure on himself at first Open

The Galway native is one of a dozen amateurs at Troon this week. 

Ireland's amateur golfer Liam Nolan plays from a bunker beside the 14th green during a practice round ahead at Royal Troon. Pic: Glyn KIRK / AFP

Liam Nolan noticed it on Wednesday. Everyone did. A quantum leap in the numbers of people milling around the vast expanse of Royal Troon after what had been a low-key start to the week on the Ayrshire coast.

One of 12 amateurs among the field of 158, the Galway man felt the nerves rise in parallel but there is a determination to enjoy the occasion having qualified for the 15nd Open at Dundonald at the start of July.