“I am at a loss for words,” said Abery. “This is the ultimate achievement. It’s what every golfer dreams of – to play in the oldest, most prestigious tournament in the world.

“Coming down the last five holes my nerves really got going. I just kept telling myself to play conservatively, pick my shots, get the pars.”

Aiken birdied the last and commented: “I’m telling you, my heart was beating in my throat over the last four holes.

“I really, really wanted this. We are already set for accommodation at Hoylake – I just had to do the job and get us there.

“This is a huge opportunity for me, one that I have wanted for as long as I can remember.”

While it will be a maiden voyage to the Open for the three home players it is a second for American Vaughan.

Not that he wants to remember his first visit in 1994.

“I got in by finishing second on the Sunshine Tour,” he explained.

“We stayed in a house not too far from Turnberry and I shot a 69 in the first round.

“Then I almost missed my tee time for the second round and had to run down the first with my clubs in hand, leaving my caddie somewhere in the distance.

“I missed the cut by one and it is one of my greatest regrets. This time I plan to do it right all the way.”

Scot Doug McGuigan, who came through the qualifier last year, missed out by nine shots this time after a second round 77. On the same mark was England’s Justin Walters.