COLCHESTER’S Jamie Moul is refusing to be downbeat after missing out on a spot in this year’s Open Championship.

The Stoke by Nayland Golf Club professional’s attempts to tee it up at this month’s prestigious tournament were finally dashed in Final Qualifying at Sandwich, after he lost a ball on the final hole and opted to retire.

Moul had earlier in the day posted a solid first-round score of 72 at Prince’s, a round which included four birdies.

But after three bogeys in the latter stages of his second round, the 33-year-old had already looked destined to miss out on Carnoustie before deciding to call it a day on the 18th in his attempts to qualify – and the chance to compete for the Claret Jug.

He was forced to retire at Prince’s, where two-time US Open winner Retief Goosen’s one-under-par score clinched the South African one of the 12 spots up for grabs.

Moul told the Daily Gazette: “I lost a ball on the last hole after hitting it slightly off line and I was just outside the qualifying so instead of going back and holding other players up, I just decided to finish there.

“I had no chance of qualifying and there was no need for me to walk back, if it wasn’t going to be necessary so it seemed the logical thing to do.

“It was around 6.40pm and at that time of day, there was no real point in me continuing with my qualifying chance practically gone.

“The course was set up very tough and it was very windy, so the conditions were difficult.”

Moul had earlier shone in his Regional Qualifying event at Sandy Lodge, posting a four-under 66 to finish top of the leaderboard at the Hertfordshire course, on Monday.

The former amateur world number one had been one of more than 1,000 hopefuls who had battled it out at 13 regional events, prior to final qualifying on Tuesday.

“There are so few slots available but I seem to quite enjoy the whole qualifying process,” said Moul, who has been playing on the Jamega Tour this year.

“I feel pretty confident taking part in it, having just missed out on a play-off a couple of years ago.

“Stage one had gone well – I won that at Sandy Lodge.

“I played well on Tuesday morning and put myself in a good position.

“The first 27 holes went to plan but the conditions were tough and there were only three scores that were under par.

“It was only on the last nine holes of the 36 where I dropped a few shots but sometimes, you just need a little bit of luck.

“Considering I’d not played as much as I’d have liked, my game has been pretty good.

“I’ve had some decent results, for what is still early season for me."

The experienced Moul is available for guidance and coaching sessions at Stoke by Nayland GC.

The former European Tour professional is on hand to provide advice to golfers of all abilities along with short game specific coaching and on-course tuition, with all aspects of the game covered.

For more information on the coaching sessions, visit www.jamiemoul.com or contact Jamie on 07815 470091, email him on j.moul@btinternet.com or message him on Twitter @jamiemoul