WILTSHIRE amateur Ben Stow will begin his bid at the 142nd Open Championship at Muirfield at 6.43am on Thursday morning.

East Knoyle's Stow, who qualified for the Open after winning one of the local qualifying rounds earlier this month, will tee off in the second group out in the first round.

Alongside the 22 year old for his opening two rounds at Muirfield will be 2004 Open champion Todd Hamilton, from the United States, and European Ryder Cup star Robert Karlsson, of Sweden.

Stow was this morning playing his first practice round at the Scottish links, in the company of six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo.

READ STOW'S UPDATES FROM MUIRFIELD AND FOLLOW HIS PROGRESS IN THE 142ND OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP AT WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK/SPORT THIS WEEK AND IN FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES