The Open: Millwall fan Alfie Plant roared on by 150-strong Alfie’s Army in dream start at Royal Birkdale


MILLWALL fan Alfie Plant was roared on by a 150-strong Alfie Army during his impressive debut at the Open.

The European Amateur champion, 25, has his own fan club cheering his every move at Royal Birkdale.

Alfie Plant’s fans pack one of the grandstands at Royal Birkdale
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Alfie Plant got his Open fairytale off to a dream start
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And they proved a lucky omen.

Plant, who is from Bexleyheath and has brother Albert as his caddie, spent a brief spell near the top of the leaderboard after reaching one under par through 12 holes.

He eventually signed for a one over 71 and now has the Silver Medal – awarded to the lowest amateur after 72 holes and won in the past by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy – firmly in his sights.

Plant’s fan club are staying at a nearby Pontins and he says they will “have a good crack at the karaoke” during the night.

After all, they have plenty to celebrate following his Open debut.

Mum Emma said: “I couldn’t be prouder. I’m so overwhelmed by everything that’s going on.

The amateur star’s fans were seen all over the Birkdale links during the first round
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Alfie Plant is in with a shout of being top amateur at the Open
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Alfie Plant’s fans were in full voice during the first round
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Birkdale has been taken over by Alfie’s Army
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“But it’s his dream come true. It’s all he’s ever worked for ever since he was the age of four when he had a golf club in his hand.

“This is his dream come true and I just want to cry. I’m getting a bit emotional.”

Plant tees off in his second round alongside American Wesley Bryan and India’s Anirban Lahiri at 2.15pm.

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