Andrew Dodt hangs on to join Matthieu Pavon and Callum Shinkwin in The Open
By Mike Patterson
Last Updated: 16/07/17 11:22pm
Andrew Dodt was a relieved man after clinching a place in The Open at Royal Birkdale.
The 31-year-old will make his first Major appearance at the Southport links after clinching one of the three places on offer at the Scottish Open via the Open Qualifying Series.
The Australian will be joined at Royal Birkdale by runner-up Callum Shinkwin and third-placed Matthieu Pavon.
Dodt was in contention to win at Dundonald Links when he led the tournament after birdies at the first and fourth holes in the final round.
However, the pressure started to tell on the back nine where he posted four bogeys to drop down the field.
England's Anthony Wall put himself in the frame by finishing on eight under after a 69, but Dodt managed to match that score by parring the final three holes for a 73.
And that secured him the final qualifying place thanks to his higher world ranking - 193 to 245 - although he will have to cancel a trip to New York with his wife which was due to start on Monday.
Dodt told Sky Sports: "I found myself, particularly on the back nine, just a bit mentally fatigued. I felt like I used a lot of energy early in the round.
"I really had to take things a bit slower and take one step at a time, because I knew the Open spot was on the line.
"I had to dig as deep as I could down the stretch and it's great news that I have finally done it and got myself a first Major.
"It's been a massive motivation this week trying to get there and I'm just glad I came through today.
"I have a few schedule/planning issues now but I' happy to go to Birkdale!"
Pavon surged through the field with a six-under 66 in the final round to finish in third place on 10 under.
The 24-year-old Frenchman and world No 205 will also be making his first appearance in a Major.
Shinkwin, who lost out in a play-off to Rafa Cabrera Bello in Ayrshire, missed the cut on his Open debut at Troon last year but is hoping for better this time around.
He said: "I got in there last year and didn't perform too well. But this year my game feels better and hopefully I can perform much better."
American Bryson DeChambeau will join the trio at Royal Birkdale after clinching the final qualifying place courtesy of his victory in the John Deere Classic.
