Slocum is reserving judgement

Heath Slocum admits he thought his appearance at the Open was over before it had even begun.

The 34-year-old American was listed as first reserve yesterday morning and says his heart sank when Padraig Harrington overcame his injury to tee off.

Slocum was getting ready to head back home when he received a call on his mobile informing him he had a tee time in 30 minutes after Japan's Toru Taniguchi had withdrawn with a back injury.

He quickly made his way to the driving range for a quick warm-up before shooting a three-over par 73, just four off the lead.

He said: "When I saw Padraig hitting balls I figured I didn't have much chance of playing.

"I knew if it was not going to happen that morning then I'd not be in the competition so I got here at 6am.

"Then, when I got the call I was really excited because I was not expecting anything. But it was an awesome experience.

"It was exactly how I imagined it to be, although I didn't pack properly. I didn't realise how cold it would be."