Superb Wood claims amateur prize

Bristol's Chris Wood struck a final round of 72 to finish on 10 over and take the Silver Medal as the Open's highest-placed amateur.

The 20-year-old, who played his final round with Ian Poulter, carded five bogeys and three birdies to finish tied fifth with Jim Furyk.

"I'm lost for words," said Wood. "What a great week this has been."

Kent's Tom Sherreard, the other amateur who made the cut, also shot a 72 on Sunday to finish 14 over.

Sherreard had an eagle-birdie finish to his final round. The 20-year-old had four bogeys in an outward nine of 38.

But Sherreard carded a three at the par-five 17th and holed a 20-foot putt for birdie at the last.

Wood, at one point joint third for the overall championship, said that he enjoyed playing with Poulter.

"I did not feel under that much pressure," added Wood.

"Ian was playing so well and we were thriving off each other. The support I had was brilliant and it has got bigger through the week."

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The 2008 Open
PGA Tour
European Tour
BBC golf blog
Golf on the BBC
Golf tips
Golf rules and equipment
Latest golf discussions on 606
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites