South Africa’s Abery leads qualifiers for British Open

SUN CITY, South Africa (Reuters) – South Africa’s Warren
Abery booked a place at this year’s British Open by winning the
African qualifying tournament on Thursday.

Abery carded a second round 70 to add to his 66 as he
claimed first place on six-under 136 at the par-71 Royal
Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club.

South Africans Ross Wellington and Thomas Aiken and
America’s Bruce Vaughn clinched the other places at July’s
Open, which will be held at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club,
Hoylake.

The South African event was the first of five international
final qualifiers with Australasia, Asia, Europe and America
hosting the others ahead of the July 20-23 Open.

Wellington returned a round of 68 to take sole second place
on five-under-par while Aiken (67) and Vaughn (69) were a
further stroke behind.

“I am at a loss for words,” said 32-year-old Abery. “This
is the ultimate achievement, it’s what every golfer dreams of
– to play at the oldest, most prestigious tournament in the
world of golf.

“I must admit I was a little apprehensive this morning but
I settled down quickly. But coming down the last five holes my
nerves really got going. I just kept telling myself to play
conservatively, pick my shots, get the pars.”

EASY PUTT

Aiken made a birdie on the 18th to ensure his place after
his 98-meter approach to the par-four hit the flag leaving him
an easy birdie putt.

“I’m telling you, my heart was beating in my throat over
the last four holes,” said Aiken.

“I really, really wanted this. We are already set for
accommodation at Hoylake, I just had to do the job today and
get us there. This is a huge opportunity for me, one that I
have wanted for as long as I can remember.”

Wellington added: “I knew I would get nervous. These are
big stakes and this is a tough course. I just kept reminding
myself to take things a shot at a time, a hole at a time.”

Veteran Vaughn earned a second trip to the Open after his
maiden visit to Turnberry in 1994.

“I qualified for the Open by finishing second on the
Sunshine Tour Order of Merit in 1993-1994,” he said.

“We stayed in a house not too far from Turnberry and I shot
a 69 in the first round. Then I almost missed my tee time the
second round and had to run down the first with my clubs in
hand, leaving my caddy somewhere in the distance.”

“I missed the cut by one and it is one of my greatest
regrets. This time I plan to do it right all the way.”

Scores:

136 Warren Abery 66 70

137 Ross Wellington 69 68

138 Bruce Vaughan (USA) 69 69, Thomas Aiken 71 67

139 Hendrik Buhrmann 72 67, Ian Hutchings 71 68

140 Bradford Vaughan 69 71, Henk Alberts 69 72

141 Adilson Da Silva (Brazil) 70 71

142 Jaco Van Zyl 71-71, Werner Geyer 69 73