Pilkington grateful for Open spot

Pilkington is one of five Welshmen competing at the Open

Mark Pilkington has praised the Welsh Golf Union for its help in getting him into the Open at Hoylake.

"Since I started playing amateur golf the WGU has improved its systems and practice facilities, and provided better coaching year-on-year," he said.

"Having five Welshmen at the Open this year shows it's paying dividends."

The Nefyn man, 28, who hopes to regain his European Tour card for next season, came through qualifying last month for his second shot at the Open.

He joins compatriots Stephen Dodd, Bradley Dredge, Phillip Price and Jamie Donaldson in challenging for the Claret Jug on the 7,258-yard course at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

If I play as well as I can it shouldn't be a problem at all to make the cut Mark Pilkington

"Ryder Cup 2010 money has helped Welsh golf tremendously," said the north Walian.

"Now the hope is the Ryder Cup will inspire lots of promising Welsh youngsters to turn pro and compete regularly at European Tour level and at big events like the Open."

Pilkington, who tees off at 1110 BST on Thursday morning, currently competes on the Challenge Tour - the second-tier competition below the main European Tour.

He goes into the Open in a rich vein of form and in 10th place on the money list.

The top 20 qualify for the main European Tour, and Pilkington says sampling the atmosphere at the Open on the first two practice days has made him ever more determined to return to the main tour.

On form, I'd say my chances of winning are unrealistic, but I like the course Phillip Price

"The crowds are much smaller on the Challenge Tour - you might get some but nowhere near this level," said Pilkington, who last competed on the European Tour full-time three years ago.

"It's lovely to play in front of a big crowd in these big events. It certainly gets your enthusiasm going for getting your card back for the tour."

Pilkington missed the halfway cut on his Open debut at Royal Lytham in 2001, but feels confident he will be around for all four rounds this time.

He told BBC Wales Sport: "If I play as well as I can it shouldn't be a problem at all.

"It's obviously nice to make the cut first, and then you can think about the weekend and try to press on through the field.

"My goal is just to take every shot as they come and enjoy it. Hopefully I'll play my best and we'll see what happens."

Compatriot Price was also in confident mood after his practice round on Wednesday, despite missing the cut in his last two tournaments.

"On form, I'd say my chances of winning are unrealistic, but I like the course," Price told BBC Wales Sport.

"My game is coming together massively compared to what it was a couple of months ago so I'm looking forward to a good week."