Wickford professional Brett Taylor was going into today's second round of the greatest golf championship in the world knowing that he was facing a damage limitation exercise.
Taylor, who is 29-years-old, was delighted to qualify to play in the Open Championship.
It was the first time he had made the grade after struggling for much of the time since joining the paid ranks in 1998.
But, at Royal Troon, the former England squad amateur, formerly with Southend's Thorpe Hall club, saw his Open dream transform into a nightmare.
The wheels came off for the man who works part-time at Rayleigh Karting to supplement his golfing income.
He took a nine at the fifth and suffered two other double bogey sixes as he finished his opening round 20 strokes behind the leaders.
His 15 over par total of 86 left him bringing up the rear in the 156-strong field. And Taylor needs nothing short of a miracle to survive the halfway cut teeing off shortly before 4pm today.
Published Friday July 16, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article