Four amateurs advanced through the qualifier at Hillside Golf Club in Southport, and two Americans were among them. One of those men was Iowa legend Gene Elliott, who qualified for this event for the second year in a row. With his wife on his bag, Elliott tied for fourth with a 1-over 73 and easily earned his place among the 13 qualifiers.
It’s also worth noting that Gary Nicklaus advanced at 1 over. This time last year, Nicklaus was still an amateur, and preparing to play the U.S. Amateur at Pebble Beach. He has since re-declared himself a professional to compete among the seniors.
At Fairhaven in Lytham, English amateur Steve Sansome was among four co-medalists with a round of 3-under 70. Another amateur very nearly got through the Fairhaven qualifier, and that was Euan McIntosh.
McIntosh, a Scotsman, is maybe a more recognizable name after the 50-year-old won three tournaments in a row in Scotland last year, starting with the Scottish Amateur. McIntosh often holds his own against younger fields, but on Monday, finished with an even-par 73 only to lose in a five-for-three playoff.
In St. Annes, at St. Annes Old Links, only English amateur Ian Crowther advanced with an even-par 72. Crowther has finished inside the top 25 at the British Senior Amateur each of the past three years.
Finally, at Southport & Ainsdale, Garry Lacy of England qualified for the second straight year with a 2-over 74.