Robert Rock is back in The Open

The Staffordshire golfer entered the final day at Lahinch sitting top of the leaderboard and with an excellent chance of clinching one of the three Open Championship qualification spots.

Rock soared into top spot after shooting an outstanding 10-under-par 60 on day three of the tournament.

But a final round of 70 meant he finished the competition tied for fourth on 13-under-par.

The 42-year-old last won on the European Tour at the Abu Dhabi Championship in 2012.

And while he was pleased to secure qualification for The Open – and win more than £230,000 in prize money – he couldn’t hide his frustration at missing out on the title.

“To get in is excellent – I am looking forward to playing another Open,” Rock said.

“I didn’t know if I’d get to play any more.

“But I’m disappointed, you don’t get too many chances to win.

“It was nice playing the last few holes with a score to try and reach but it was a bit too much.

“For most of this year, I haven’t been able to build a score properly.

“I play well one day and then have some scrambling days.

“But to shoot a 60 is pretty cool. I didn’t see that coming at all. That was awesome but I just ran out of puff on the final round.”

Rock secured his 60 on Saturday by birdying the last six holes.

The Rugeley golfer, who was beaten in an Irish Open play-off by Shane Lowry in 2009, went close to a 59 as his eagle putt on 18 just missed.

Rock’s compatriot Oliver Fisher recorded the first 59 on the European Tour at last year’s Portugal Masters.

And now Rock is hoping his performance at Lahinch will be a platform for more success.

“Hopefully I can build on it,” he added.

“Last year similar, I had a slow start and then ended up making the race for Dubai.

“Every year is different, you learn that over time.

“You realise they can’t all start great, not everything goes to plan.

“If you are patient with it, you will play well at some point.”