CUMBERWELL Park golfer Laurie Canter believes consistency has been the key to sealing his place at the 146th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale later this month.

The 27-year-old, who is based at the Bradford on Avon club, booked his spot after a thrilling play-off on Tuesday, pipping amateurs Stefano Mazzoli of Italy and England’s Rhys Nevin-Wharton to one of three places in local final qualifying at the Notts Hollinwell Golf Course.

Canter says his team of caddie Jeff Jackson, fitness trainer Adam Shackell and coach Cameron McCormick, who also guides two-time major winner Jordan Speith, has been the driving force behind his improvement.

“Obviously it will be a great week, I’m just excited to get going,” said Canter, who is in his second full year on the European Tour.

“Tuesday was a fairly long day and I’m having a bit of a come down, but the prospect of playing at the Open will be brilliant. I’m definitely playing the most consistent golf I have ever played in my life, I’ve got some really good people around me now,”

“I’ve been with a new caddie since January and he has added some really good stuff to my game. The coach I’m with is working well and I feel quite settled in that environment.

“We are really starting to see it pay off, so it all bodes well for the Open and beyond that. It’s great I’ve qualified but hopefully it is one of many and something I can build towards in my career.”

Canter, who also qualified for the 2010 Open at St Andrews, hasn’t played at Royal Birkdale before and plans to visit next week ahead of the tournament, which gets under way on July 20.

Canter believes he is in a much better place compared to seven years ago where he failed to make the cut as an amateur.

“I’ve got seven years more experience and as a amateur you don’t have much pro experience so that will stand me in great stead,” he added.

“I know what to expect from the Open and I would like to try and actively enjoy the experience a bit more because last time went fairly fast.

“I feel a lot more mentally equipped to deal with all of the challenges, the expectations and the things which come with a big week like that.

“Hopefully it will allow me to treat it more like a normal event, which will let me play my best golf.”