Lichfield golfer Robert Rock eased his disappointment at losing out in the Irish Open play-off by scooping the winner’s prize money.

Rock lost out to amateur Shane Lowry in the play-off, but because of his non-professional status the winner was unable to collect his cheque for nearly £440,000.

As well as making Rock a whole lot richer, the cheque also fires him into seventh place on the money list and within touching distance of qualification for the US Open – an achievement which would see the 32-year-old playing in his first major across the Atlantic.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.