DORSET will have no representation in this week’s Senior Open Championship at Royal Porthcawl after all four challengers from the county failed to gain qualification spots.

Some 26 places were available, spread across venues at Southerndown, Machynys Peninsula, Ashburton and Pyle & Kenfig.

Lyme Regis Golf Club’s Mike Searle, an amateur, travelled to the latter and shot a level-par 71, finishing tied 14th.

Only the top eight qualified, however, with -2 being the benchmark behind Spanish winner Rafael Benitez (-4).

READ MORE: Mike Searle in qualification bid for Senior Open

Weymouth ace Michael Watson, of Wessex Golf Centre, tied for 47th at Southerndown after shooting a +6 round of 76.

Only level par was good enough as seven golfers qualified, Englishman Grant Hamerton the pick with -2.

Sherborne’s Antony Lawrence and Blandford amateur Gary Weldon were in action at Machynys Peninsula where only six qualification spots were available.

However, the duo found the going tough and both finished on +8 following rounds of 80, tied for 86th place.

The Senior Open gets under way this morning with Northern Ireland legend Darren Clarke looking to retain his title.