Science teacher Ben Crowther (left) had the right chemistry on the day at The Renaissance to qualify. He is presented with his award by Jerry Sarvadi, chief executive officer of the club

Wakefield science teacher Ben Crowther made a 440-mile round trip from Yorkshire to East Lothian to claim a place in the Alliance Pro-Am in the Scottish Senior Open at the Renaissance Club.

A love of links golf compelled the 42-year-old member at Dewsbury and District Golf Club near Leeds to make the trip.

Now the two-handicap golfer plays alongside top professionals in the Scottish Senior Open from August 4 to 6 with a score of 37 Stableford points,

The qualifier was the first of two organised and hosted by Renaissance Club with the next scheduled for June 25.

Ben said: “It was by accident that a friend told me about the qualifier which he had seen on the internet.

“I’ve always been a great lover of links golf and I felt it was a wonderful opportunity during half-term to play an exceptional golf course.

“I wasn’t motivated by the prize, I just wanted to experience the course.

A third qualifier is now planned for July 6 presenting the opportunity for some of East Lothian’s most talented young golfers the opportunity to play in the Scottish Senior Open.

Three talented young golfers will earn the chance to take part in the Alliance Pro-Am.

Two of the local golfers have been selected through their performance in the 2017 Secondary School Order of Merit organised by Active East Lothian.

Two-handicap Cameron Gallagher of Preston Lodge High School and Longniddry Golf Club won the scratch division for the second consecutive year.

Lewis Irvine of Musselburgh Grammar and Craigielaw Golf Club won the handicap division having shown great commitment by playing in the five of the events. He has a handicap of 10.

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