Dinwiddie delighted to be in contention at Foxhills

Robert Dinwiddie only qualified for International Series England by the skin of his teeth, and the English veteran admitted he would have to “play really well to be in contention” against a quality field dominated by a strong contingent from the LIV Golf League.

The 41-year-old was one of six players to book a place at Foxhills Club & Resort in a qualifier on the Longcross course two months ago. The three-time Challenge Tour winner only just edged into the field alongside compatriots Haider Hussain and Ryan Harmer after the trio emerged victorious from an eight-man play-off.

Dinwiddie carded a five-under second round of 66 to sit on nine under alongside RangeGoats GC star Thomas Pieters. That left the pair just one behind the Belgian’s team-mate Peter Uihlein after the American shot an incredible 10-under course record of 61.

The veteran has been delighted with his overall experience so far. He said: “It has just been fantastic. It is extremely welcoming, very friendly and everything has been immaculately set up. Extra kudos to having the qualifiers for us. Great that that we were able to qualify.”

Commenting on the strength of the field which sees five LIV Golf League stars out of six at the top of the leaderboard, he said: “It is fantastic, you have got a lot of good names involved, Thomas Pieters - his name's there. Andy Sullivan. A whole host of good, good players. And a lot of top players from Asia so you have got to play really well to be in contention, for sure.”

Hussain made it into the weekend thanks to two consecutive one-under rounds of 70 on a Longcross course that has challenged and rewarded the field in equal measure. Hussain overcame his three dropped shots with four birdies on his second round, following on from an eventful first round where he carded an eagle, four birdies and five bogeys.

He said: “Yesterday was a bit of a grind – the weather was tough with a little rain and wind in the afternoon. Had to stick it out yesterday and today and played some nice golf.

“To be honest, the bogeys I made today were not good – some errors on my part rather than the course but there are always chances out here so if you do make a bogey, stay in the moment and get back again. This course is beautiful but tough. If you are not hitting it well off the tee, this course will get you.”

“The goal is still the same. To play good golf and see where I end up at the end of it. I have to stick to my routines and stay where it takes me. The main thing is playing my game and seeing what happens. If I play good golf I will be shooting good scores. It is a pleasure to play this week, it has been run so well.”

Robbie Busher, Harmer, Jack Madden and Jason McGuinness all missed the cut but gained invaluable experience playing alongside some of the biggest names in world golf.

The International Series offers local talent the opportunity to compete against elite-level golfers, at 10 elevated Asian Tour tournaments across the season.