Friday 21 July 2017 22:03, UK
Alfie Plant is pleased that all his hard work has paid off after becoming the only amateur to make the cut at The 146th Open at Royal Birkdale.
The 25-year-old European Amateur champion shot a three-over-par second-round 73 to make sure of his participation over the weekend at four over.
Plant will secure the silver medal if he manages to avoid injury and complete all four rounds of the tournament.
"It's great. Through all these hours I practice in the winter - in weather like this actually," Plant told Sky Sports' Sarah Stirk when asked about his emotions after his opening two rounds. "It's nice to know all the hard work has paid off and I'd like to be back here again, definitely."
He added: "A lot of family and friends have travelled up from down south so I am glad I could get through to the weekend for them."
Plant admitted to feeling more composed during his second round which included an eagle at the par-five 15th, on a blemish-free back nine.
"They were a bit better than yesterday," Plant said. "Yesterday, inside I was going a bit crazy but today they seemed to have settled down a bit.
"Down the last my adrenaline was definitely pumping."
When asked about his reaction to all but secure his silver medal, Plant was in no doubt about how highly he regarded his achievement.
Plant said: "It's a great feeling and I'm sure it is only going to get better as the night goes on.
"I'd like to see the list to see who's won it before. It's a great achievement and I'm really proud."
When it was pointed out previous silver medal winners include Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose among many others, Plant added: "That's not bad is it? Hopefully I'll follow in their footsteps."
Plant has carried a 150-strong 'fan club' of family and friends wearing #TeamAlfie T-shirts who have voiced their support for the Englishman.
Plant said: "It's been brilliant. I hope the weather changes because I'm sure they'll be a lot louder."
Scotland's Connor Syme finished nine over after shooting 76 while England's Harry Ellis carded a 75 to end on 12 over. American Maverick McNealy and Italy's Luca Cianchetti also finished at 12 over.
Watch The 146th Open throughout the weekend live on Sky Sports - your home of The Open
