GOLF: Danny Barton is hoping it will be a case of third time lucky when he tees up in the Open regional qualifier at Northampton & County next Monday.The 22-year-old scratch player from Rushmere is confident that his two previous experiences will stand him in good shape as he bids to take a further step along the trail that leads to Muirfield.

GOLF

DANNY Barton is hoping it will be a case of third time lucky when he tees up in the Open regional qualifier at Northampton & County next Monday.

The 22-year-old scratch player from Rushmere is confident that his two previous experiences will stand him in good shape as he bids to take a further step along the trail that leads to Muirfield.

Two years ago Danny was the leading qualifier after 12 holes at Copt Heath, standing at two under par, but then the weather kicked in and his chances faded over the final six holes.

Last year Danny was back at the Midlands venue again. In his practice round he shot a four under par 68 to establish a new amateur course record, but 24 hours later when it really mattered, Danny failed to come up with the goods.

"I got off to a bad start and I was also a bit nervous that didn't help," he said.

Danny goes into the Open regional qualifier in good shape, but feels he should have done better in the recent Suffolk Amateur Championship at Aldeburgh.

"I hit too many drivers, and on hindsight I should have played the course more sensibly.

"The following week in the matchplay I didn't use the driver at all, just my two iron and everything went fine.

"But in the semi-final I lost my contact lenses in my eyes and couldn't see to line up any putts."

For the past four years Danny has worked in the professional's shop at Rushmere until last week when he joined Golf Galore at Martlesham.

"I had had enough of the situation at Rushmere and it had affected my golf. Now I'm working part time at Golf Galore that besides being a nice change, gives me time to play golf.

"I had got myself into a bit of a rut, and now I'm trying to dig myself out of it," he says.

Danny is good enough to play big amateur events up and down the country, but he simply cannot afford it.

"Unless your parents are rich, you've got to have a sponsor. I'd love to have a crack at some of the big amateur tournaments, but it's simply not realistic."

Danny is uncertain what the future holds for him, but his immediate aim is to try to get through the Open regional qualifier at Northampton & County where his Rushmere Hambro team-mate James Wright is also playing next Monday.