Golf talent Thorbjørn Olesen probably didn’t have high hopes when he qualified for this year’s British Open via the International Final Qualifying in Europe tournament in June. But a memorable four days at the Royal Lytham & St Anne's golf course has driven the 22-year-old to the brink of international stardom.

Olesen shot an even par 280 (69, 66, 71, 74) over the four days to finish in joint ninth position, tied with established players like Vijay Singh, Ian Poulter and Geoff Ogilvy; and only seven shot adrift of the South African winner, Ernie Els.

The young Dane began in blistering form, shooting a round of 69 and then 66 to finish in fourth place at the halfway point. That effort earned him a round with Tiger Woods, who was only a shot ahead at the time.

He faltered during the final two rounds, but despite an even 74 on the final day he was able to remain in top 10, which means that he is automatically qualified for next year’s Open.

Furthermore, Olesen has catapulted 13 places up the world rankings to 99th place, breaching the top 100 for the first time in his career.

Thomas Bjørn, who finished in a tie for 25th in the tournament, is still Denmark’s top golfer and is ranked at 40.