The Open golf 2016: Amateur Scott Gregory surrenders Royal Troon lead but aims to make cut

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Paul Mahoney15 July 2016

Scott Gregory, the Amateur Championship winner from Waterlooville in Hampshire, had a first round at Royal Troon that he will never forget.

The 21-year-old was in dreamland as he led the Open at four under par. Then he had a nightmare on the back nine.

He triple bogeyed the par-four 11th then dropped eight more shots to record a seven-over-par 78. But he had the consolation of outscoring his heralded playing partners.

Sandy Lyle, Open champion in 1985, scored 85, and 2001 Open champion David Duval shot 82. They should all be back out in the wind and rain expected this afternoon.

The veterans are resigned to missing the cut but Gregory is determined to make it through to the weekend.

“A few bad things happened on the back nine, starting with that one bad swing on 11,” Gregory said. “But I have to remember that, at one point, I was leading the Open. That was pretty cool. It would be nice to think that one day I’ll still be leading the Open after 72 holes, but next time I get into a position like this, I just hope I can cope a little bit better. And 100 per cent, I still think I can make the cut.”

Gregory played a practice round with fellow Hampshire golfer Justin Rose, who learned his game at the North Hants club in Fleet.

The 2013 US Open champion had nothing but praise for the amateur.

“I know he was playing with Sandy Lyle and David Duval, who were both not having very good rounds, which won’t have helped,” Rose said.

“He’s got a great swing and temperament. I’m sure he’s going to get into a lot more events and get more experience. Hopefully, he’s got a big future ahead of him.”

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