This golfer has spent many years making an attempt to qualify for the Open. Now, he is taking part in the largest one but

The son of knowledgeable footballer, Ford grew up within the English city of Swindon eager to observe in his father's footsteps. Having solely picked up a membership for the primary time aged 10, it wasn't till he had completed college at 18 he threw himself into pursuing golf full-time.

"I beloved soccer however it was additionally so irritating, whereas golf is simply all the way down to your self," Ford mentioned.

"Though the sport of golf is something however management, you continue to can management much more in a person sport."

Turning skilled at age 25, Ford made a powerful begin, competing on the 2005 BMW PGA Championship (previously the British PGA Championship) in Wentworth.

Problem Tour challenges

5 runner-up finishes have been highlights, however fixed lengthy hauls world wide to programs far much less luxurious than the European and PGA Excursions have taken their toll mentally and, above all, financially.

Solely the highest 10 finishers of the Problem Tour's 156 participant area "realistically" earn sufficient prize cash to subsidize the price of taking part in the occasion, with Ford estimating greater than half the remaining gamers lose over $1,000 per week.

By Ford's personal reckoning he is misplaced cash extra usually than he is received it, and with spouse Suzie and two younger youngsters to help, the stress of fairly actually 'taking part in to dwell' has been difficult.

"The quantity of occasions I've thought of giving up this sport and as lots of people say, 'get a correct job', it has been powerful," he mentioned.

"It is emotional due to the way in which my household has supported me. I have never essentially made as a lot cash as I might wish to make this comfy."

A giant breakthrough adopted in late 2014 when Ford acquired his card on the European Tour Qualifying College, opening the door for him to compete in nearly 60 European Tour occasions throughout the next two years.

He misplaced his card forward of the 2017 season, however saved plugging away till he discovered himself competing on the ultimate Open qualifying occasion at Prince's Golf Membership in Kent, England, in July.

A blitzing begin to the second spherical put Ford in a commanding place at 5-under heading into the ultimate 10 holes of qualifying, earlier than 4 photographs dropped throughout the subsequent 4 holes seemed set to pen a well-recognized chapter in his Open qualifying story.

"You begin questioning, 'Have I blown it? What have I accomplished? You fool,'" he recalled.

But when Suzie and the 2 youngsters arrived for the final six holes after college, they watched Ford soar to a spectacular end. He shot an eagle en path to choosing up these 4 misplaced strokes to complete 5-under and qualify as occasion winner, two photographs away from second place.

'The largest ever'

In addition to realizing his personal childhood dream of taking part in the Open -- a historic a hundred and fiftieth version on the legendary Outdated Course no much less -- Ford is equally thrilled to share the expertise along with his household.

"They're simply as blissful and as excited as I'm," he mentioned. "The tournaments they've walked round with me, they have been in a position to watch each shot and there have not been too many individuals round.

"It is simply gonna make it loopy at St Andrews with that many individuals ... it is gonna be such a giant occasion, persons are saying it is gonna be one of many greatest ever."

The expertise, the potential paycheck, and the alternatives it might spring for future DP World Tour occasions; Ford cites loads of causes to be excited in regards to the week. But when the lifelong goal was simply to make it to the primary tee, what's the finish purpose now he is about to be there?

"Am I considering of profitable the match? No, not likely," Ford mentioned. "However there is not any cause why I can not have an excellent week and who is aware of what can occur. That is golf and if I can get on a run, you simply do not know.

"I am not likely setting myself too many particular targets aside from hold a smile on my face and benefit from the week. If I try this, hopefully I will shoot some good scores."

Regardless of the consequence, it definitely will not be for a scarcity of effort.

Ford is scheduled to tee off for his first spherical at 11:15 a.m. BST (6:15 a.m. ET) Thursday.