Surry excited ahead of Open debut

Surry is one of only 22 Englishmen to qualify for The Open

Bath-born golfer Steve Surry is aiming high when he makes his Open debut at Turnberry next week.

"Playing with Tiger Woods would be fantastic," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

The 27-year-old from Cumberwell Park, Bradford-on-Avon, shot a course record 66 at Western Gailes in qualifying for the biggest tournament of his career.

After a first-day 72, Surry shot a five-under 66 to earn the second of only four spots available in the 96-strong field at the Ayrshire course.

And he now highlights the performance of Bristol amateur Chris Wood in coming fifth spot in last year's Open at Royal Birkdale as as an example to all qualifiers.

Wood has since turned pro and is having a decent year, having earned over £200,000 to currently stand 72nd in the Race to Dubai - and on course to retain his European Tour card.

And Surry reckons he can draw inspiration from that.

"It shows it can be done from the people who are qualifying," he told BBC Radio Bristol. "If you have four good days it can change your career at least."

Surry, who is enjoying his best season to date, currently leads the EuroPro Order of Merit.

He is one of only 22 Englishmen to qualify for The Open out of a starting field of 156.