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Brilliant finish keeps Horsey in it

David Birtill
19/ 7/2008

DAVID Horsey staged a sensational finish to survive the half-way cut in his first Open Championship.

The 22-year-old from Styal completed the last three holes in birdie-eagle-birdie for a 70, four-over-par in total, which also put him in great shape to challenge the leaders today as he trails Korean KJ Choi by five shots.

"I was in danger of failing to qualify when I was eight-over after 15 but then it all came good for me," he said.

"I always had faith in myself along with the family and friends who supported me all the way round."

People power also inspired Nick Dougherty to keep his emotions under control, if not quite his whole game, as he comfortably made the grade.

And he booked his place in today's third round along with other local hopefuls Paul Waring and Phil Archer who made the cut with nothing to spare.

"The galleries encouraged me all the way," said Shaw Hill tournament professional Dougherty as he saluted his army of fans.

"It's been the best part of the week so far," he admitted.

"I'm receiving a lot of support and while there's not been much to applaud apart from the odd shot here and there they've been fantastic.

"I was despondent when I bogeyed the 16th but someone called out `keep your chin up' and I responded with a birdie at the next hole.

"I hope I can give them something to cheer about over the weekend," he said after returning a 71 to couple with his opening round of 75 for a six-over-par total, three shots inside the qualifying mark.

"I did not play particularly well but after what I've been going through over the past few weeks I'm reasonably happy and I'm still in the tournament. I've a lot of work to do to get my swing into shape because it's been a bit of a battle trying to keep it together."

Dougherty, 26, is still trying to come to terms with the death of his mum Ennis at the end of April, a major factor in him missing three of his last four cuts on the European Tour and losing his place in the Ryder Cup top ten rankings.

"I chipped and putted my way round but I did not hole anything so I've got to sort out that problem, too. My putter's been stone cold.

"I expected to score better because I've been in the right side of the draw as far as the weather is concerned.

"I would have liked to have capitalised more on it but you have to play the cards you're dealt."

Dougherty is still striving to recapture the form that until recently made him a cert for his mentor Nick Faldo's side to face the United States in Kentucky in September.

Horsey's former England and Cheshire team-mate Waring safely made the cut by two shots after a 74.

But the dream was over for another of their county colleagues Jamie Howarth even before he teed off after his opening 85.

He repeated the score as he finished in descending darkness to finish bottom of the pile on 30-over-par, but will at least return to his Stockport home with a few tales to tell.

Who do you think will win? Have your say.