ASHFIELD, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, England – Jacksonville University men's golf junior Thomas Thurloway competed in Final Qualifying for The Open Championship, one of professional golf's four major tournaments, on Tuesday and fired 69 in back-to-back rounds to earn one of the last spots in the field.

"It was a tough day out there," Thurloway said of his effort. "The greens were rock solid, and the wind was up but I kept it on the short stuff and holed a couple of putts when I needed to, especially on the last. I can't wait to get over to Ireland in a week or so. Absolutely buzzing to be playing the biggest tournament in golf!"

The event was held at Notts Hollinwell Golf Club, a 7,201 yard links style course in Nottinghamshire, England. Thurloway, a native of Crawley, England, posted five birdies over the final round, three on the back nine and most importantly on the final hole, which kept him out of a potentially three-way playoff for the third and final qualifying spot. Instead, Thurloway, the lone amateur to qualify at this event, was able to watch the playoff knowing he had already secured his place in The Open.

The 148th Open Championship will be played July 18-21 at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. Thurloway will be joined in the field by Jacksonville Athletics Hall of Famer Russell Knox who had his best finish at a major in the 2018 U.S. Open where he finished in a tie for 12th overall.