MATT Southgate will play at the Open Championship for the second time after he topped the final qualifying group at Royal Cinque Ports, in Kent.

The Thorpe Hall Golf Club member, who previously played at the tournament in 2014, was hugely impressive as he finished six under par over two rounds (70-66), three shots ahead of Kiwi Steven Alker, to earn his place at Royal Troon.

Southgate, who has enjoyed one of his best ever season’s to date – was in control over the course of final qualifying, with two bogeys, six birdies and an eagle among his scores.

And he will now line up alongside his club colleague Richard McEvoy at the Scottish event.

However, the pair are focusing firmly on the 100th Open de France event in Paris before turning their attentions to the upcoming major.

Southgate begins this morning with David Dixon and Thomas Detry while McEvoy tees off alongside Anders Hansen and Edoardo Molinari in the following group.

Basildon’s Daniel Brooks is also in action in Paris, and will tee off alongside Simon Dyson and Jeremy Gandon today.