The Open Championship, St Andrews, 15-18 July
Coverage: Live on BBC TV, Red Button, BBC Sport website, with updates on BBC Radio 5 live Full coverage details

By Ged Scott BBC Sport at St Andrews

Hatton is one of seven amateurs playing at the Open

Marlow's Tyrrell Hatton was left cursing his luck after getting caught in the worst of the Fife weather on his Open Championship debut at St Andrews.

The 18-year-old amateur, the youngest competitor in the field, slogged his way to a six-over 78 on the Old Course.

And Hatton admitted to BBC Sport: "The weather really got to me in the end.

"The afternoon starters got the worst of the conditions. The wind picked up, then we got the rain. I made mistakes and they were down to the weather."

Hatton, who plays his golf at Harleyford, showed real character on his back nine, proving to be one of the few players who turned in a better inward half, as he came back in 38, having gone to the turn in 40.

It's just a shame it didn't go as I'd planned it and I hope to give a better account of myself tomorrow Tyrrell Hatton

Although he dropped eight shots, and double bogeyed with a six at the sixth, Hatton also had the satisfaction of birdies at the long fifth and again at 16.

Hatton had booked his place at St Andrews by coming through regional qualifying at Gog Magog, in Cambridgeshire, before shooting rounds of 67 and 69 to finish joint top alongside veteran tour pro Phillip Archer in final qualifying at Ladybank.

And despite being buffeted by all the Firth of Tay had to throw at him, just being at St Andrews has still been an unforgettable experience for the youngster.

"I struggled, as my score showed," added Hatton. "But it's still amazing to be here.

"It's just a shame it didn't go as I'd planned it and I hope to give a better account of myself tomorrow."

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