Professional Archer plans to enjoy himself as he fulfils 17-year dream to play in Open championship

Jul 15 2008 by Ben Schofield, Liverpool Daily Post

BIRCHWOOD golfer Phil Archer will play in his first Open Championship this week, after 17 years of trying to qualify.

He says his strategy will be to keep his head under the pressure.

The Warrington-born 36-year-old said it was extra special to qualify for a Merseyside Open.

Archer told the Daily Post: “As soon as I turned pro in 1991, I put the entry forms in for the Open.

“I’ve got a lot of experience, but have never experienced an Open, which is probably the biggest tournament that I’ve played so far.

“The course looks fantastic. It should be a tough test out there and there’s no reason why I can’t be up there, although I’ve not been playing the best of late.”

Archer said over the past two years his game has improved. In 2006, he was 41st in the European Order of Merit and made it to a career high of 29th last year. “I’ll just try to enjoy it, that’s when I play my best golf. I don’t put too much pressure on myself and get on with it,” he said.

He is currently ranked 161st in the world and recently scooped 18,000 euros after playing a +4 to come in 48th at the French Open.

He has also played in two US Opens, but the British championship has always eluded him.

Archer’s father was a founder member of Birchwood and, aged eight, he was made the club’s first junior shortly after.

Merseyside clubs sponsor holes at the Birkdale course. Birchwood is sponsoring the 201 yard par three at the 14th.

Archer added: “There are a few marshals down there from Birchwood.

“I’ve got a lot of family coming up for the first few days, too, so I’ll hopefully have my own supporting team.”