HIS competitive experience at Muirfield may have lasted half the time he desired, but it was enough to convince Ben Stow that the 2013 Open Championship won’t be his only taste of major championship golf.

The 21-year-old amateur, from East Knoyle near Warminster, was unable to extend his stay at the biggest tournament of his career to date into the weekend, as rounds of 76 and 77 condemned him to miss the cut.

While America’s Phil Mickelson went on to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday, Stow headed south to show girlfriend Maddi around London and reflect on a few days in Scotland that could pave the way for his own future glories.

“I certainly had a good think about it over the weekend,’’ he told the Wiltshire Times.

“I was thinking about what was the difference between me and these guys who go out there and win these things.

“Looking back, putting is one of the strengths of my game, but I needed to put the ball on the fairway a lot more often, especially on a course like Muirfield with the rough the way it was.

“I feel like I could have made a score, but the main thing for me was that my bad shots were a bit too bad and I had a few too many of them.

“It was so tough on the course (winner Mickelson was the only man to finish under par) and keeping the ball in play was so important.

“Even when you hit bad tee shots, you needed them to be 10 yards off line, not 30.’’

The Rushmore Golf Club youngster was in illustrious company in Scotland, former world number one Luke Donald, US Open champion Justin Rose also bowing out at the halfway point, while Stow’s 11 over par total was a shot better than superstar Rory McIlroy.

“Just being out there, the atmosphere, watching these guys play, hearing the roars, it’s where every golfer wants to be,’’ added Stow, who featured in a three-ball with 2004 Open champion Todd Hamilton and European Ryder Cup star Rober Karlsson.

“It’s what everybody aspires to. And you can’t be out there and not enjoy it, really.

“I’m 21, I’ve got plenty more Opens ahead of me. I’m going to take as much as I can from it, and I can honestly say I loved every minute of it.’’

Stow’s attention now turns to the English Amateur Championship at Frilford Heath in Oxfordshire, starting on Monday, with his studies at the University of Kentucky resuming later his summer.

He is due to graduate in Christmas 2014, after which he plans to turn professional.

“There are a few amateur events I still hope to play in, like the English, European and home internationals, but I hope to turn pro within five or six months of graduating,’’ he added.

“It’s quite hard to get started on the PGA Tour (in America), but I might have a look at aiming for the Web.Com (developmental) Tour.

“I’ve played a Challenge (second-tier European) Tour event so I’ve had a feel for it over here.

“But I can’t wait for my next major (championship) now. I’d love to get into another one and I don’t think I will find it as daunting the next time around.’’

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