The Open 2010: Abbott enjoys his Open Saturday

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

Abbott finished off his final six holes on Saturday morning

Suffolk amateur Jamie Abbott made his expected departure from The Open after completing a second round 79 at St Andrews to miss the cut on eight over.

But, after returning to complete his final six holes with six straight pars, following Friday night's late finish, the young Englishman remained cheery.

"At least I can say I've played on the Saturday at The Open," joked Abbott.

"And it's been good fun. I've enjoyed every minute of it. It's just a shame I'm not playing the last two rounds."

Abbott, 23, who plays his golf at Fynn Valley, near Ipswich, admitted that playing at his first Open and rubbing shoulders with the game's big names had merely increased his desire to follow a professional career.

It's been an amazing experience and I've loved every minute of it

Suffolk amateur Jamie Abbott

"I'll go to tour school at the end of the year and see what happens," Abbott told BBC Sport. "This has been a real learning curve."

After opening up with a one-over 73, Abbott knew he would be on his way home back to Suffolk when, after making such a late start to his round on Friday evening, because of the earlier suspension of play, he ran up five bogeys in his first eight holes to go to the turn in 41.

He then dropped two more at 11 and 12 in the gathering gloom before play was finally called off for the night with six holes to play.

But, after returning to finish off his round on Saturday morning with those six straight pars, he admitted: "There wasn't as much wind as yesterday so it was a bit easier out there.

"It was hard work yesterday, especially with the delay. I was out on the range hitting balls when I heard the hooter go and you know you've just got to compose yourself and get on with it.

"But knowing you're going to have to be coming back in the morning made it hard work, trying to get your head round that.

"Still, it's The Open. It's been an amazing experience and I've loved every minute of it."