Felicity Johnson, the English Amateur champion, yesterday ensured her place in the British Women's Open Amateur Championship at Littlestone Golf Club in Kent.
The 18-year-old from Harborne finished tied for 11th place along with a hatful of golfers from around Europe to progress to the matchplay stage of the tournament despite a second-day round that was in danger of slipping away from her.
Johnson was less assured yesterday than duirng her opening round on Tuesday when she managed to tame the Kent course by firing a one-under par 71 to lie second.
Nerves or the heat might have been to blame as she shot 79 yesterday for a sixoverpar 150 total.
No matter. For Johnson, who is coached by her stepfather at Harborne Church Farm GC but also enjoys the special tutelage of Tiger Woods' former coach Butch Harmon, remains one of the top 64 golfers who will play out the latter knock-out stages starting today.
Harmon, who lends her his expertise through the Red Bull Masterclass, had sent her a message of support after the first round, saying: "carry on what you are doing."
Defending champion, Louise Stahle, of Sweden, moved into the lead after adding a 73 to her first round of 72, despite an indifferent start with a double-bogey at the par-four third hole after losing a ball.
Fifteen-year-old Florentyna Parker, from Royal Birkdale, and Lucy Gould, of Bargoed in Wales, lie joint second on 146.
Knowle's Joanne Hodge also squeezed through in the final qualifying spot after improving on her openinground 82 with a fine twooverpar 74. Lisa Barton, of Coventry, missed the cut after rounds of 79 and 83.
