\n<\/p>\n
In 1998, as a 17-year-old amateur golfer, Rose managed a fourth-placed finish at The Open at the Royal Birkdale.<\/p>\n
He finished runner-up in 2018 and will compete at Portrush next month. <\/p>\n
After missing out on final qualifying by just one shot in the previous two years, Wheeler was able to get across the line as he posted the second-best round of the day.<\/p>\n
“I was over the moon and with it being at North Hants I had a decent home advantage,” he said.<\/p>\n
“After the front nine I was three under and I went into the back nine quite comfortable and I played my own game, I made a three-footer on the 18th and the tension just released – I was buzzing.”<\/p>\n
Final qualifying will take place on 1 July at four courses where players have a chance to book their spot at the 153rd Open.<\/p>\n
Thirty-six holes at Burnham & Berrow, Dundonald Links, Royal Cinque Ports and West Lancashire will decide the final places.<\/p>\n
“I want to turn pro eventually and play golf for a living, that’s my long-term ambition,” said Wheeler. <\/p>\n
“Hopefully making the final qualifying is one step closer to making that dream a reality.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n