Nixon keeps dream alive

LOCAL amateur golfer Matthew Nixon still has a chance of qualifying for next week’s Open Championship at Turnberry.

The Ashton-under-Lyne member, who has Oldham links, shot a three-under-par 70 in the qualifying round at Barassie, Kilmarnock.

Nixon, who had the same return as top Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal, lies in a tie for 11th place heading into today’s final round.

The top four finishers from each of the three qualifiers in Scotland - there are around 100 players in each - will land a place in the Open field.

The two other local players, Marcus Armitage and Grant Hamerton, look to have blown their chances.

Former Oldham member Armitage shot a creditable level par 73 at Barassie but he lies in a tie for 46th place.

Hamerton had a disaster at Glasgow Gailes where he shot a nine-over-par 80 and finds himself in joint 94th spot.