West Ham United midfielder Gary O'Neil is eyeing a place in the British Golf Open.

The Hammers midfielder tees off in a qualifying event today in a bid to make the field at Royal Lytham & St Annes next month.

And although he is unlikely to leave Rory McIlroy quaking in his spikes, O'Neil is dreaming of turning professional when his football days are over.

He said: "I am realistic enough to know I need to improve a lot but if I could be a pro golfer when my football career ends it would definitely be something I would look to do.

"But my problem at the moment is consistency. My bad shots can go 50 yards off line and that will cost you two shots straightaway.

"I don't think there is anything major that needs changing, it's just about having the time to be able to practise."