Gareth Maybin secures place in Open Championship

Gareth Maybin has earned a place in this month's US Open

Ballyclare golfer Gareth Maybin has clinched a place at The Open after firing rounds of 64 and 68 in Monday's qualifier at Sunningdale.

Maybin's eight-under total left him in fourth place - three shots behind leader Shane Lowry who followed a brilliant 62 with a 67.

Darren Clarke missed out after firing rounds of 68 and 69 for three under.

Peter Lawrie was involved in a play-off for the last qualifying spot but Marcel Siem clinched the place.

Lawrie fired two rounds of 67 for six under and was involved in a play-off for the 10th and final qualifying spot for the St Andrews event with Siem, Patrick Sjoland, James Kingston, Gregory Bourdy and Jamie Donaldson.

Paul McGinley and Gary Murphy also missed out on two under par.

Lowry followed his superb opening 62 with a 67 to secure his berth at the Old Course while Colin Montgomerie was also guaranteed a return to St Andrews after producing a sensational afternoon 62 which left him tied with Andrew Coltart on nine under.

It was the second successful qualification for a major for Maybin over the last fortnight after he earned a spot in the US Open, which takes place later this month.