Tom McKibbin misses out on US Open by a single shot

Down 20-year-old Tom McKibbin missed out on qualification for next month's US Open by just one shot at Walton Heath.

McKibbin, from the same Holywood club as Rory McIlroy, was one of four players to finish on seven under par for a share of eighth.

Birdies on 16 and 17 gave him a chance to force a play-off but he had to settle for par on the final hole and a level 72, in what was a disappointing round on the Old Course after he had tied for the lead with a 65 on the New Course.

There was some consolation for the youngster however as he and Jordan Gumbert edged out Callum Hill and Andrew Wilson for the two alternate places on offer.

South African Deon Germishuys led the way on -10 after a 68 followed by compatriot Wilco Nienaber (66) and English duo Ross Fisher (70) and David Horsey (65) on nine under.

Spain’s Alejandro Del Rey, Sweden’s Jens Dantorp – who finished runner-up in the Soudal Open on Sunday – and France’s Matthieu Pavon secured the remaining qualifying places for Los Angeles Country Club.

Royal Dublin amateur Hugh Foley finished on three over after a 73 while Paul Dunne retired midway through the second round having slipped to +1.

Fisher, who finished fifth in the 2009 US Open and helped Europe win the Ryder Cup the following year, said: "Majors are the pinnacle for any professional golfer.

"I was very fortunate to experience a lot in my early career and I’ve missed playing them. I feel like the game is still there. I just feel like I need to put everything together.

"I came here with an open mind and tried to not take too much care on the greens, try and freewheel it, free myself up. I feel like I did that.

"I made a hell of a lot of birdies out there and a nice eagle. To get back to a major championship, I’m