Kent's Tom Sherreard finished tied for 19th place at Royal Birkdale

Kent's Tom Sherreard has described his Open debut at Royal Birkdale as a "dream" after just missing out on the Silver Medal for best-placed amateur.

The 20-year-old from Maidstone finished 14 over par, four shots behind Chris Wood who took the amateur prize.

Sherreard finished well with an eagle at the 17th and a birdie at the 18th.

He told BBC Radio Kent: "It's just amazing, you dream of it for so long and when it finally happens, it's a shame it's so quick."

"When I can remember it, it will certainly stay with me for quite a while."

Sherreard described his closing holes at the tournament as "exciting and a brilliant finish".

He is currently on a golf scholarship in Atlanta, Georgia, in the US, but plays at Chart Hills near Biddenden when in the UK.

You've got to have a lot of respect for these guys Tom Sherreard

Sherreard finished 11 shots behind the overall winner, Padraig Harrington and said the experience had taught him he needs to work much harder on his short game.

"You've got to have a lot of respect for these guys. Their games are just amazing, especially around the green - their chipping and putting is absolutely phenomenal.

"Striking the ball, there's not a great difference in my opinion but around the greens, they're just completely dominant over me."

Sherreard says he plans to finish his degree in America for two years before decided whether to turn pro.

Fellow Kent golfer - Peter Appleyard from the Wildernesse Club in Sevenoaks - just failed to make the cut, after carding a 74 and 76 to finish 10-over-par after two rounds.