Rachel inches closer

Rachel Connor: closer to Open qualification

LOCAL amateur golfer Rachel Connor has successfully negotiated the first step towards qualification for the Ricoh Women’s British Open.

The 19-year-old from Royton finished in a share of sixth spot in the pre-qualifying tournament at The Berkshire.

Connor, who finished with a level-par 72, had been three under on the 15th hole.

The top 25 players move forward to the final qualifier at Fairhaven on July 27 when Connor will be aiming for a place in the Open, which is being held at Royal Lytham and St Annes from July 30 to August 2.

Most of the world’s top professionals will be in action at Royal Lytham and Connor will be aiming to go one better than last year when she reached this stage.

It has been a frustrating season for Connor, whose campaign has been interrupted by a six-week lay-off caused by a back injury which still requires physiotherapy.

Connor is hoping she is over the worst with a hectic period looming.

Apart from trying to qualify for the Open she has the England and British Strokeplay Championships to contest as well as playing as an individual in the European amateur championships in Sweden.