Brett Taylor, who works at a go-cart centre to boost his earnings, will be hoping to find top golfing gear over the next four days when he plays in the greatest tournament in the world.
The former Southend cadet, now aged 29, lives in Wickford and, after a glittering amateur career, has found life tough as a professional.
But all the struggles were forgotten this morning when he teed off in the Open Championship at Scotland's Royal Troon.
Taylor, a member of the Thorpe Hall club during his days in the unpaid ranks and still attached to them when he started his tournament pro career, received a late call-up to play in the million pounds plus Open when Australian Andre Stolz pulled out on Monday without giving a reason.
Taylor said: "This is my first time in the Open - although I've made the final qualifying a couple of times without really getting close to the main event. When I was told that I was in I was overjoyed."
Published Thursday July 15, 2004
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