Sunday 13 December 2015 13:06, UK
Lee Westwood expressed his delight at extending his run of Open Championship appearances after he earned one of the four places on offer at the Thailand Golf Championship.
The event was the second of The Open Qualifying Series with four places on offer to those not already exempt for Royal Troon in July, and Westwood's bogey-free 67 in the final round earned him a share of second place - three behind champion Jamie Donaldson at Amata Spring.
Donaldson and Westwood also ensured they would return to the world's top 50 and ensure their places for the Masters in April, while Clement Sordet and 16-year-old Thai talent Phachara Khongwatmai landed the other two Open Championship places.
"It's great to be have made it into The Open," said former world No 1 Westwood, who has not missed The Open since making his major debut at St Andrews in 1995.
"I've played every one since 1995 so it's great to keep that run going. It's been 21 years now and I've not missed one, so I'm happy. It's my favourite championship of the year.
"I've played at Royal Troon quite a few times and I finished fourth there in 2004. I like the golf course as it's a traditional links, straight out, straight back. It's got everything you want from a links course."
It's been 21 years now and I've not missed one Open, so I'm happy. It's my favourite championship of the year
Westwood's Ryder Cup team-mate Donaldson closed with a superb nine-birdie 65 to earn his first title since the Czech Open in August last year, and he is looking forward to competing in at least two majors in 2016.
"This is certainly one of my best victories," said Donaldson. "There are a lot of good players playing in the tournament this week. The field is very strong and to beat these guys is great. It feels great to win this trophy and beat some of the best players in the world.
"It all came together today, even though it was bit of a battle with the heat. Suddenly I had gone from being comfortable to only having a one-shot lead. I was really relieved when I hit the green at 17, and then I sunk a great putt and I felt a lot better.
"Importantly this has enabled me to get into The Open. I needed to win to get into the top 50 so there was a lot to play for and hopefully it all comes to fruition next year."
Teenager Khongwatmai, who had to come through Monday qualifying in Thailand, grabbed the final Open place on offer after a superb seven-birdie 66 lifted him to sixth place overall, and he was "overwhelmed" to have earned his major debut.
"When I entered this event I didn't even consider the possibility of playing in the Open at Troon," he said. "I feel really honoured to have this opportunity. I had better start practicing!
"I am overwhelmed with happiness that I can be able to be included in The Open next year. I played with no expectations so I guess that was the key to playing well. I came through the Qualifier on Monday and I was already very happy to get a chance to play with the top stars this week.
"I didn't think so much and I surprised even myself to finish so well."
