Walton Heath Golf Club's England international Ben Taylor is living the dream after qualifying as one of five amateurs for The Open Championship at St Andrews later this month.

The 22-year-old, from Leatherhead, finished top at five under par after 36 holes at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club on June 30 to claim his place among the greatest golfers in the world.

A +5 handicapper, Taylor, who has just completed his studies at Louisiana State University, said: “I putted really well from six feet and that’s so important down the stretch when you are trying to qualify for The Open.

“I knew that putt at the last was to go five under and I made myself hole it.”

He added: “I've just finished college and I might go to qualifying school for the US PGA Tour in America at the end of the year.

“But this summer is about trying to make the Walker Cup team for the matches at Lytham St Anne's, and making The Open at St Andrews as an amateur is a dream.”

The 144th Open gets under way on July 16.