AMATEUR John Cockroft embarks on the second stage of his Open qualifying quest tomorrow -- treating his preparation like that of a major exam

The 21-year-old Nelson golfer, who works in the pro's shop at Mytton Fold, has been trying not to play too much golf in the run-up to final qualifying, believing that short-term 'cramming' is no way to prepare.

"You have to do the work in the weeks and months beforehand," he said. "If I hadn't done the work by now there is not much more I could do.

"I suppose it is a bit like taking an exam because it can be detrimental to do too much in the days running up to a tournament.

"Three or four years ago I would have practised more in the run-up thinking it would help when I was gearing up for a tournament but it doesn't."

And he joked: "Actually, I'd much rather just sit around watching TV than go out hitting balls for six hours."

Cockroft was the only amateur from East Lancashire to get through regional qualifying last Monday -- with a best-of-the-day six under par 66 at Wilmslow.

He will have a loyal band of followers supporting him tomorrow and on Monday at St Annes Old Links as he attempts to qualify for the Open, which starts on Thursday at Lytham, for the first time.

"I have had loads of people giving me messages of support and encouragement this week and there are quite a few people coming to watch," said Cockroft. "It feels good to be through but I would have liked my mate Michael (Hunt) to have got through as well. It was tough, though, because it's all on the day.

"I suppose the score I got at Wilmslow has given me confidence and makes me think I have got a chance.

"I know I can shoot 67 or 68 if I keep it out of the rough, which is like a jungle I've heard.

"I'll just try to play the same as I did on Monday and if it comes off then great.

"I think a score of about five under will probably qualify and there are some top names there too."

Also through to final qualifying for the Open is Burnley golfer Simon Eaton, Pleasington pro Ged Furey and Daniel Lord, who is attached to Pleasington.

Eaton failed to qualify direct from Wilmslow after losing out in a play-off but looks set to bag a spot in tomorrow's final qualifying as 19th reserve.

Furey plays at Fairhaven after scoring the second best score for the day, 68, at Carlisle and Lord qualifed from Alwoodley in Leeds.

Clitheroe-attached professional Paul Dwyer, who is based in Read, looks set to travel home for final qualifying after missing the cut at the Finnish Open.

The 27-year-old was going to complete the Challenge Tour event in Finland in order to boost his Order of Merit ranking. He was lying 16th before the tournament and needs a top 15 finish to get a European Tour card next season.

But a first round score of 76 followed by a second round 74 ended hopes of a top 10 finish.