David Andrews had to make sure he was working a late shift in the professional shop at Royal Troon - because this morning he was playing a round of golf in The Open.

The 29-year-old head assistant professional at Troon was chosen as the marker to play alongside Sean Whiffin, the first man out in the third round of the tournament.

Andrews understandably had an experience to remember, even though his score was something to forget.

"It was very, very nerve-wracking," said Andrews, who hails from Somerset.

"I have probably played on the course three times this year, I have just been too busy, and I haven't played off the Championship tees in about six years so it was a bit of an experience, especially with the crowd - it was totally alien to me but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

"I got a call last night telling me I might be playing so I had to make sure I was on a late shift in the shop this afternoon.

"Unfortunately they couldn't get hold of Sean until this morning to find out whether I would just be walking round and marking his card or whether he wanted me to play, but he very kindly said he wanted me to play with him and I found out at 8.30am.

"It was a mixture of: 'Great I am going to be playing' and 'God I am going to be playing in front of this crowd,' but it was an experience I wouldn't have missed despite my poor play, it was superb.

"My main concern was to make sure I didn't upset Sean's rhythm or get in his way, and just keep good pace with him as well as try to enjoy myself."

Andrews grabbed a local friend and member, Bryce Niven, to caddie for him, but his score would not have done any damage had he been competing for real.

"I didn't finish the ninth hole but I probably shot 82," he added. "My best score here off the white tees is 64 so occasionally I can play."

Whiffin's level par round meant he remained on three-over and ensured he will not be the odd man out who needs a marker in the morning.

That honour will fall to assistant pro Steven Rettie or Andrew McGregor, who will toss a coin to decide who gets it.

Whiffin was very satisfied with his form, and said he felt more relaxed playing with a marker.

"It was quite relaxed playing with a marker, I think it did me a favour," he said.

"If you get a marker he might get a putt on the same line as you and you can see how the ball is reacting a few times.

"I couldn't have played a lot better on the front nine, I hit it close a few times but didn't get the ball in the hole like I have been doing.

"Anything around par I was going to be pleased with and I am chuffed to bits.

"The course was hard today. On the sixth hole yesterday I hit a driver and two iron and nearly got on the green, whereas today I hit driver, two iron and five iron to get on, and they were three good shots."