Five of Hampshire’s top golfers will today bid to earn one of the few remaining places in this year’s Open Championship.

The final round of local qualifying takes place across four courses in East Lothian, Scotland, with only a handful of spots at Muirfield up for grabs.

A total of 288 players will be competing, with just 12 places available in the year’s third major.

There is added resonance for the Hampshire stars, as they look to join fellow county ace and new US Open champion Justin Rose in the field.

Reigning English Amateur champion Harry Ellis, of Meon Valley, has been drawn to play at The Musselburgh.

The 17-year-old goes into the 36-hole qualifier on the back of a solid showing at the Brabazon Trophy last week, where he finished in a tie for 33rd place.

He is joined at The Musselburgh by Corhampton amateur Scott Gregory.

Gregory booked his place in the final round by advancing through regional qualifying last month and drove north yesterday morning.

Rounding off Hampshire’s amateur representation is Brokenhurst Manor’s Jordan Ainley, who has been drawn at Dunbar.

Ainley was the county’s men’s and junior champion last year and, like Gregory, he also progressed through the regional stage and is in good form.

The 19-year-old flew to Edinburgh yesterday morning and was practising at Dunbar in the afternoon.

Hampshire also has two professionals in action today, with Hayling Island’s Toby Burden and Liphook’s James Foster playing at Gullane.

Both powered through the regional qualifier and will be hoping to carry their good form forward.

This year’s Open Championship will begin on Thursday, July 18.