Glasgow golfer Paul McKechnie last night fulfilled a childhood dream by qualifying for the Open Championship.

Marc Warren was also celebrating after topping the 36-hole qualifying standings at Gailes Links in Ayrshire.

McKechnie held his nerve in a play-off for the final Hoylake place with Welshman Rhys Davies and rolled in a eight-foot birdie putt on the first hole to set up a Major debut later this month.

The 37-year-old, who came through the regional qualifier at Bruntsfield a week ago, said: "It's a childhood dream to play in a Major, especially the Open. I had a chance and I took it. I'm very proud of myself."

McKechnie, who opened with a one-over 72 in the morning, hit back with a 67 in the afternoon to push himself into contention with a three-under total.

He almost sealed the final Open place on his last hole but a birdie putt from 15 feet just lipped out and he had to seal the deal in the sudden-death shoot-out.

He added: "I couldn't believe that putt didn't drop but it all worked out in the end."

Warren said he has unfinished business to tend to in the Open after securing his berth.

The Glasgow man finished with a flourish and holed his bunker shot on the 18th for a birdie in a sizzling 64 to win the 36-hole shoot-out in stunning style by two shots from fellow Scot Jamie McLeary on a nine-under 133.

Warren, a two-time winner on the European Tour, made his debut in the championship at Muirfield last year but missed the halfway cut.

He said: "Missing the cut last year was very frustrating. I can't wait to get back. I feel there is unfinished business."

Glasgow's Scott Jamieson, who played in the Opens of 2011 and 2013, missed out yesterday by two shots on a 141 after rounds of 72 and 69. But the Open door has not been slammed shut completely.

There are spots up for grabs, for the leading finishers not already exempt, in the French Open and next week's Scottish Open.