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Lee Westwood booked his return to The Open after a three-year absence by winning his qualifier at Dundonald Links.

The 52-year-old posted scores of 70 and 67 for a seven under par total in blustery Ayrshire.

Across four different courses, Westwood was one of eight Englishmen to claim the 20 spots available at Royal Portrush from 17-20 July.

“I’ve always said it’s the greatest championship in golf,” said Westwood, who finished in a tie for fourth at Portrush in 2019 and was runner-up at St Andrews in 2010.

“As a British player, you get phenomenal support and I really enjoyed Portrush last time.

“I won’t really have any expectations. I’m playing at Valderrama next week in LIV and I’ll try and sharpen my game up.

“I think of any major championship, you can compete on links courses as a senior. Tom Watson proved that around Turnberry in 2009 and then Greg Norman a couple of years later at Birkdale. You have to use a bit of cunning and guile with the wind. “

Westwood, a former world number one, will be playing in his 28th Open and 93rd major, while Scottish duo Daniel Young and Connor Graham will be making their debuts after finishing in the top five at Dundonald.

Blairgowrie amateur Graham had to come through a play-off with compatriot Paul O’Hara.

Young, from Perth, said: “It’s a big, big step in my career.

Westwood’s former Ryder Cup partner Ian Poulter came up short in his qualifying bid, while his son Luke was also in the field at Royal Cinque Ports.

Both men finished in a tie for 13th on one under par after Poulter junior had been leading at halfway with a round of 67.

Another Ryder Cup veteran and LIV player, Graeme McDowell, finished on the same mark, missing out on the chance to play a second Open at his hometown course.

English trio Nathan Kimsey, Curtis Knipes and Sebastian Cave were among the top five finishers in Kent.

Fulham right-back Kenny Tete has signed a new deal to keep him at the club until 2028, ending speculation about a move to Everton.

The 29-year-old was out of contract at Craven Cottage and had been expected to join the Toffees.

But he has instead signed a three-year contract with the club he joined in 2020.

Tete said: “I’m really happy to have signed, for myself and for my family, and I hope I can give more for the fans in these three years.

“After my first year I knew this was a family club, a really special club where I can develop. I want to be part of this group and hopefully we can push for more. “

Everton were confident negotiations were advancing towards a successful conclusion on a three-year deal of their own for Tete.

Manager David Moyes has made full-back one of his summer priorities after 39-year-old Ashley Young was not offered a new contract, despite veteran captain Seamus Coleman signing a one-year deal to take him into a 17th season at the club.

Tete had emerged as Everton’s main target, but Moyes may now be forced to turn to alternatives that could include free agent Kyle Walker-Peters or his former right-back at West Ham, Vladimir Coufal.

Fulham right-back Kenny Tete has signed a new deal to keep him at the club until 2028, ending speculation about a move to Everton.

The 29-year-old was out of contract at Craven Cottage and had been expected to join the Toffees.

But he has instead signed a three-year contract with the club he joined in 2020.

Tete said: “I’m really happy to have signed, for myself and for my family, and I hope I can give more for the fans in these three years.

“After my first year I knew this was a family club, a really special club where I can develop. I want to be part of this group and hopefully we can push for more. “

Everton were confident negotiations were advancing towards a successful conclusion on a three-year deal of their own for Tete.

Manager David Moyes has made full-back one of his summer priorities after 39-year-old Ashley Young was not offered a new contract, despite veteran captain Seamus Coleman signing a one-year deal to take him into a 17th season at the club.

Tete had emerged as Everton’s main target, but Moyes may now be forced to turn to alternatives that could include free agent Kyle Walker-Peters or his former right-back at West Ham, Vladimir Coufal.

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has signed a new contract which will keep him at Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2030.

The 25-year-old Ghana forward joined from Bristol City in January 2023 and signed a long-term contract 12 months ago.

He has made 89 appearances and scored 22 goals, 13 of those during an impressive 2024-25 season when Bournemouth finished ninth in the Premier League.

“I’ve grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch, and I’m really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season,” he said.

“From the fans to the staff and my team-mates, I can’t speak highly enough of the people around the club.

“It’s a great place to be and I’m excited to get back to Bournemouth and continue the hard work with the new season just around the corner. “