Evans will target the top having reached The Open

The Corby golfer achieved his childhood dream this week when he qualified for his first-ever major when coming through an event at Woburn on Tuesday.

The Wellingborough member, who has been competing on the European Tour for the first time this year, produced two rounds of 68 to finish second a stroke behind Paul Dunne while Robert Rock to the third qualifying place.

Evans will now take his place alongside the best players in the world at Royal Troon on July 10.

The 29-year-old, who turned professional two years ago, has realised one of his big ambitions in his career but is now focused on bringing his ‘A game” when the tournament gets under way.

“I didn’t really sleep much on Tuesday night because my phone was going crazy and all the messages I was getting saying congratulations was a bit overwhelming,” the 29-year-old said.

“It’s huge for me. Growing up, you are with your mates on the putting green pretending to hole putts to win The Open – and now I am in it.

“It’s one of those things that you always hope will happen.

“I knew it could but you do doubt yourself sometimes and wonder whether it will actually happen.

“I class The Open as the biggest tournament in the world.

“I know The Masters is huge but being from England, this is one you want to play in.

“And I don’t just want to go there to make up the numbers.

“Hopefully I can bring my A game and put some scores together to give myself a chance to play alongside the best players in the world.

“Everyone talks about making the cut but I don’t just want to set myself a low target.

“If I can play my best golf and that’s enough for me to just make the cut then fine but I want to play as well as I can and hopefully get right up the leaderboard.”