GOLFER Martin Brown is happy to have had a close look at his opponent as the matchplay stages of the England Men's Amateur Championship get under way tomorrow.

The eight-time York Amateur Champion has drawn Alnmouth Golf Club's Jake Storey in the second round of the event, which is being played at Alwoodley Golf Club, in Leeds.

Pike Hills GC-based Brown played with Storey in the opening strokeplay round of the prestigious competition at Pannal GC, in Harrogate, and watched as he shot a six-under-par round of 66.

Brown, who recorded a one-under-par 71, had to wait nervously to see whether he would make the second stage of the competition as heavy downpours cancelled round two when the duo were set to play at Alwoodley.

But that means Storey is yet to see the course under championship conditions and Brown, who has played it regularly, feels that could be to his advantage.

The 35-year-old said: "I played with Jake in the first round and he hits the ball quite long. He played well but that he is now going round a much harder golf course.

"I would hope my knowledge of Alwoodley would be an advantage. I know all the lines off the tee but matchplay is a totally different game. This is the serious bit now and I have just got to keep plodding on."

Brown is joined in the matchplay stages by Fulford Golf Club's Damon Coulson and The Oaks' James Walker.

The latter must play two games in a day if he is to make the last 32 as, with more than 64 players having made the knockouts, he must get through a preliminary round game against Steven Robins before playing a second round match in the afternoon.

Coulson played a tough Alwoodley in his first tournament stage, went round in two-over-par, and now faces Royal Jersey's Steven Anderson.

The Fulford club champion said: "I am happy to have got through the first stage. I played the last three holes in torrential rain and I was one under par for those so it wasn't too bad.

"I would have taken my score at the start of the day and I am happy with where I am. I am fairly confident about the matchplay.

"I am playing quite well, although matchplay is completely different. Anything can happen and I have just got to be in a positive mood and see what happens.

"I have played a lot of matchplay so it is nothing new. I am looking forward to it."