Posted July 05, 2017 13:13:10

Photo: Ryan McCarthy has been working on his swing. (PGA Tour of Australasia)

Tasmanian golfer Ryan McCarthy has described qualifying for the British Open as a "dream come true", with his former coach crediting a 'swing doctor' for his new found form.

The 27-year-old has qualified through a pre-tournament playoff in Scotland.

After finishing equal third in the event at Gailes Links Golf Course, McCarthy sunk an eight-foot putt for birdie on the first playoff hole to win through to the prestigious open.

"I couldn't believe it dropped" he told ABC Hobart. "I had a good read and feel for it, but when it disappeared I just felt pure joy.

"It really is a dream come true."

McCarthy hails from Burnie and is ranked number 1,342 in the world.

He has been playing his trade on the PGA Tour of Latin America.

McCarthy's former coach Nick White said the Burnie local's swing was as good as he had ever seen it.

Following some underwhelming recent performances, McCarthy engaged the expertise of renowned biomechanical scientist Robert Neal.

Photo: Biomechanics expert Robert Neal coaches a golfer in his technique. (Supplied: golfbiodynamics.com/George Peet)

White believes working with the 'swing doctor' in Florida has played a part in McCarthy qualifying for one of the world's biggest golf tournaments.

"Whether its Tiger Woods, or Jason Day or Ryan McCarthy, professional golfers are always trying to evolve their swing and make it better," White said.

"This is by far the best that I've ever seen Ryan hit the golf ball, and its the best his swing has never looked.

"So, hopefully I'd like to think he's on the edge of something great."

There are Tasmanian links to the British Open. Matthew Goggin tied for fifth at the tournament in 2009.

Peter Toogood was the leading amateur in the 1954 British Open, tying for seventh when it was held at Royal Birkdale.

McCarthy believes anything could happen.

"The open can play differently from day to day. I'm focusing on being in control of myself and making a solid start.

"From there, anything can happen really."

His former coach is placing faith in his pupil.

"He definitely has the game to make the cut," White said.

"And then we'd be hoping for a top fifteen or top twenty placing. That'd be brilliant."

The 146th British Open gets underway at Royal Birkwood in Southport, England on July 20.

Topics: golf, sport, burnie-7320