British Open makes way for EPL
WEST Ham United midfielder Gary O'Neil can give up any thought he had of taking on Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy or Luke Donald next month.
The footballer can now focus on the next EPL season after failing to qualify for the British Open.
O'Neil, who plays off scratch, carded a disappointing seven over par 79 in a regional qualifier at The London Golf Club in Kent earlier this week.
The former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough star was among 118 other amateurs who teed off for a shot at glory.
Although his dream of playing in the Open is over for this year, the 29-year-old said he would reassess that once he got to 35 and stopped playing football.
"I've loved playing golf since I first took it up," he said. "However, I am realistic enough to know I need to improve a lot, but it (playing golf professionally) would definitely be something I would look to do.
"My problem at the moment is consistency. My bad shots can go 45m off line ... that will cost you two shots straight away."
