Golf: Kiwis off the British Open pace

New Zealand golfers James Gill, James Hamilton and Emerson Hall have failed in their bids to qualify for next week's British Open championship.

Second overnight after a 69 in the qualifying final at Glasgow's Gaile Links in Scotland, Waikato's Gill missed a golden opportunity through a five-over 76 in this morning's second round which placed him in a tie for 33rd on three-over.

Only the top four from each of three final qualifiers this week proceed into the Open.

Bay of Plenty amateur Hamilton had a one over 72 at the same course to finish 60th while Canterbury's Hall shot a 78 at nearby Western Gailes, leaving him well back in the field.

Other non-qualifiers were two time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal (Spain) and France's Jean Van De Velde.

- NZPA