RHYS Enoch has qualified for the US Open for the first time.

Enoch, who represents Wales but was born in Cornwall and often plays at Truro Golf Club, finished tied eighth in a final qualifying event at Walton Heath last week to secure his place in this year’s event, which begins on Thursday.

The 30-year-old shot a six-under-par 66 in the first round at Walton Heath’s new course, before follow-ing it up with a two-under-par 70 in the second and final round at the club’s old course to seal one of 14 places in this week’s major.

It is the third time that Enoch has qualified for a major championship, after appearing in the Open Championship in 2014 and 2018.

Enoch missed the cut on his debut five years ago, but he performed well in Scotland last summer, ending up in joint 67th place at Carnoustie after finishing on seven-over-par over the four days.

He will tee off at 4.46pm (UK time) in the first round at the famous Pebble Beach course on Thursday.

Enoch is one of 16 British players in the 156-player field and is the only Welshman to compete.

American golfer Brooks Koepka will defend the title he won in 2018, when his one-over-par was enough to win by one stroke from Englishman Tommy Fleetwood.