Bearsden amateur Ewen Ferguson just missed out on a shot at the Open Championship – but vowed to continue chasing his Major dream.

The former British Boys' champ was one of a host of local hopefuls chasing just three spots on offer for the Open at St Andrews in the 36-hole final qualifier at Gailes Links in Ayrshire yesterday.

But rising teenage star Ferguson came up one shot shy of a play-off for the final place after rounds of 72 and 69 left him with a one-under aggregate of 141.

Ferguson had put in a spirited performance and his raking birdie putt on the last for a birdie he needed to keep his Open hopes alive just burned the cup on its way past.

He said: “It was so much fun being involved and feeling the excitement coming up the last. These are the kind of occasions you want to be involved in and it will be all good experience. I’ll be back next year for another go and hopefully I get plenty more chances to make the Open in the years to come.”

Andrew McArthur may have failed to make the grade but the Glasgow golfer is hoping to pass the stern examination in the Scottish equivalent this weekend.

The former Scottish Amateur champ fell short of the mark with rounds of 73 and 71 which left him with a two-over 144.

He will now join the field for a two round qualifier at North Berwick this weekend where five spots are on offer for the Scottish showpiece at Gullane.

He said: “I’d love to play at Gullane. I’ve never actually played at North Berwick before but I’ll certainly be doing my homework in the coming days to make sure I get there.”

Clydebank’s Scott Henry also narrowly missed out on a 141 while Glasgow’s European Tour winner Scott Jamieson came up well short on a 146.