Ashley Chesters' diary for the Open week

There have been plenty of spectators up at Hoylake over Monday and Tuesday, but I heard a shout from the stands yesterday.

It was when I was playing my practice round and it happened to be Steve Powell from Telford, who has been around the Shropshire & Herefordshire scene over the past few years.

Church Stretton's Jonathan Gidney and James Townsend were both also at the course yesterday and I've seen a group from Bridgnorth.

I hear there is a coach coming up from Hawkstone Park tomorrow, leaving at the crack of dawn to get there in time for my 7.31am tee-off time which is fantastic.

I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the good luck messages I've received from people across Shropshire. It's really appreciated and hopefully I can do everyone proud tomorrow.

I'm not normally one for practice but I really enjoyed my round with Chris Wood yesterday. We were due to be joined by David Howell but he changed his plans late on after seeing his first round tee-off time.

Chris was excellent to play with, really friendly and he was happy to answer my questions about what life is like on the European Tour, which is ultimately where I'd love to be.

The wind was coming from a different direction yesterday to what it was on Monday but I hit the ball pretty well and the new driver I used from Nike felt good.

Once again, I managed to lay eyes on some pretty big names while I was at the course.

Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler were a couple of groups ahead of me, Adam Scott wasn't too far away either and I spotted Tiger Woods on the chipping area.

With what he has achieved in the sport over the last 15 years, he'd have to go down as my golfing hero as I was growing up.

After finishing my work at the course yesterday, it was a pretty low-key afternoon back in our holiday lodge and I actually nodded off for a couple of hours.

"It was probably needed after one of the ladies at the course told me I looked shattered! Hopefully I will be wide awake in the morning!

Finally, I'd just like to wish my caddie Ricky Pharo happy birthday for today. He's been a huge help throughout all my golf so far and it's brilliant to have him on my bag this week.

By Ashley Chesters