AS far as fortnights go, this is about as big as Andrew Wilson has had in a golfing sense and he could yet end up playing alongside Rory McIlroy and Co at Royal Troon next month –joined by a North Yorkshireman too.

Darlington’s Wilson, who plays out of the Wynyard Club these days, teed off in the Brabazon Trophy for the first time yesterday and has travelled south to Kent confident and determined to ensure his excellent progress continues.

Last Monday the 22-year-old booked his place at Final Qualifying for The Open at Northumberland Golf Club, courtesy of a stunning three-under 69 when the pressure was on. That has sealed his spot in the 36-hole shoot-out next Tuesday for a place at Royal Troon, along with Northumberland’s Andrew Minnikin and Bedlington’s Mathew Webb.

While those three were impressing in Newcastle, Masham’s Daniel Brown, formerly of Bedale, was shining at Fairhaven, where he was one of six to qualify for the next stage after shooting level par 72.

“I had never been to Open qualifying before and there will clearly be a big prize at the end of it,” said Wilson. “I am really looking forward to it and I’m hoping to head there on the back of another good showing at the Brabazon.

“When I go I will not be putting too much pressure on myself because it will be a really strong field, with European Tour players all involved trying to get one of three places up for grabs. I am not sure who will be there this time, but I know last year the likes of Retief Goosen were involved; that’s what I could be up against.”

Both Wilson and Brown were involved in the British Amateur Championship last week before heading to their respective Open qualifiers and are at the London Club for two rounds of Brabazon golf. Throw in next Tuesday’s Open shoot-out and it’s clearly a significant period in the two England internationals’ careers.

“My mate (Scott Gregory) won the British Amateur, we are all here for the Brabazon, the biggest event in English golf, I was happy with my performance at Northumberland last week and then I have next Tuesday to think about,” said Wilson, who has his club-mate at Wynyard Steve Burn on his bag.

“I know that I am playing well too, so I just have to keep it going. If I can go to the Final Qualifying next week and play 36 holes of golf like I know I have, and have been, then I will have a chance. It would be fantastic to play in the Open.”

Wilson’s progress is edging him up towards turning professional, but he is in no rush because he still has a year remaining on his studies for his Masters at Northumbria University.

Having forced his way into the England Golf reckoning by helping the A team to Costa Ballena Quadrangular success at the start of the year, he is set on making sure he continues to hit the biggest stages in amateur golf.

“It’s been going well so far and I am enjoying it,” said Wilson. “This is the first year I have played in the Brabazon as well because I have not been able to during the last couple of years for a couple of reasons.

“It’s about going into these competitions and trying to do well and coping with the extra pressures because it all adds to my experience, but I am happy with how things are going.”