Scotland’s affable Lloyd Saltman is celebrating after qualifying for his third Open Championship and a third in Scotland.
And delighting the former Walker Cup star is that he will contest the 142nd Open Championship at Muirfield and located just 10 minutes from his residence.
Saltman posted two rounds of 68 to finish tied second on six under par at The Musselburgh club and one of four venues playing host to Local Final Qualifying.
“I’m just delighted big time to be back into The Open and especially Muirfield as I have been driving past every day and watching the stands going up,” he said.
Scotland’s Lloyd Saltman delighted to qualify for his third Open Championship on a wet and overcast day at The Musselburgh course. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“So I really wanted to do it this year as I’ve played The Open at St. Andrews where I was the leading amateur and then at Turnberry a year earlier, so all my Open appearances will have been in Scotland and I am very pleased with that.
“I started patient over the two rounds and also played smart and played away from daft pins, and tried to keep the big numbers off the card.
“To be playing at Muirfield and just living 10 minutes down the road is amazing. I’ve only played there twice before and that’s been in the winter when it’s been freezing and with the ground solid
“I practice at Archerfield but not being familiar with Muirfield I will have to get myself over there.
“I had great support out there today and that was a nice feeling despite the conditions.”
Saltman was presented with the Silver Medal for being the Low Amateur in the 2010 Open at St. Andrews.
Saltman’s appearance in the 142nd Open Championship continues an improvement in his season for the golfer who played in the same 2007 Walker Cup as double Major winning, Rory McIlroy.
Also competing that year at Royal County Down was current PGA Tour stars in Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson and Billy Horschell.
“It’s been a season that’s on the up. I was fifth last week in Austria and now a good result here so while the start of the year hasn’t been that well, it’s all starting to turn around,” added Saltman.
“What I have been trying to do is letting come over. I’m off to Germany tomorrow and I am due to play Switzerland the week after but I may now take that week off.
“I just love links golf and I feel so comfortable playing this form of golf and can’t wait now to get to Muirfield.”
