Harry Ellis today showed he feels right at home as he prepares to make his Open debut at Royal Birkdale by giving two of Hampshire’s well-known tour players a glimpse of his huge potential in the final day of practice.

After two days of glorious sunshine around the famous Lancashire links – with precious little breeze to deflect the heat – grey skies and a stiffening breeze greeted the Amateur Champion and 2013 US Open Champion Justin Rose this morning.

They were joined by Southampton’s Richard Bland, who is looking for his first European Tour victory after 413 attempts, writes ANDREW GRIFFIN.

While Rose, who famously came through Final Qualifying to take the Silver Medal as the leading amateur in 1998, struggled a little with his long game, Ellis shook off any idea that he was there to make the numbers up.

The rookie regularly outdrove his professional buddies and showed the sizeable crowd watching why all the golf management companies are keen to get his signature when he does turn pro – almost certainly next year after he has played in the Masters and US Open courtesy of the invites the Amateur Champion traditionally receives.

Ellis said after the practice: “It was an absolute pleasure to play with them (Rose and Bland).

“I’ve loved every minute of it – it’s the first time we’ve all played together. It’s great to see how they play.”

Harry, who became the youngest player ever to win both the British and English Amateur titles - has every intention of trying to be at Sunday’s presentation ceremony when the leading amateur is presented with the Silver Medal .

“I think I can make the cut in my first Open. My goal is to be there on Sunday collecting the silver medal - but obviously just to finish as high as possible.”

When asked if he had offered any advice for the Amateur Champion, Rose said: “It’s tough to give very profound advice.

“Harry looks pretty confident and pretty comfortable. You don’t want to get in his head too much.”

Bland was equally complimentary, saying: “Harry has a huge future.

“He hits it differently to most people. I see him winning big tournaments.”

Ellis tees off tomorrow at 9.25am before the worst of the predicted rain arrives.