CWMBRAN'S Matthew Griffiths (pictured) will fulfil a boyhood dream today when he tees off with Japan's Joe Ozaki and Matthew McGuire in the first round of the 130th Open Championship.

Although a rank outsider for the Open title (Corals have quoted him at 1000-1 to win it outright), he is in the running for the amateur Silver Medal with odds of 6-1 on him being the top placed amateur.

Griffiths though is happy just to be at the event and will concentrate on enjoying his golf. "I feel fantastic at having made it here, it's been a dream for me ever since I was a kid," said Griffiths.

"On Tuesday I played a practice round with Ian Woosnam and Mark McNulty and it was a tremendous experience."

Having made it to the Open, Griffiths is determined to make a good showing, but is still rightly proud of having made it this far.

"My aim is to hopefully make the cut. I hit quite straight and I do like this course because it suits my game," said the Woodlake Park player.

"I think I've got a good chance in the Silver Medal and winning that would make this experience perfect, but anything that happens from today onwards is a bonus."

Griffiths is no stranger to the Royal Lytham course. He shot a round of 67 during a tournament there in May. However, he has noticed some differences since arriving on Monday.

"There's nothing quite like going to the practice ground and coming across Tiger Woods and his bodyguards, that was phenomenal," said Griffiths.

"Normally I just try and practice where I can.

"As far as the course goes, the rough is longer and the fairways are tighter, but the biggest thing at the moment is the wind. It's very strong and getting stronger. It could be an interesting day's golf."

The young Welshman was among one of the last groups to tee-off today, but he insists he isn't overawed at the prospect.

"I would have preferred an earlier time for the first round, but at the moment I'm feeling fairly relaxed about the whole thing, but that'll probably change."

Griffiths will be supported along the way by his parents, and his father Martin will have more idea than most of the troubles his son will face on the Royal Lytham course - he caddied for Matthew in this May's Lytham Trophy.

"I've caddied for Matthew before, but with my job haven't been able to do so for a while," he said.

"I did go round with him though when he shot 67 in May.

"Matthew has booked us into a hotel in Blackpool and we'll be there to watch him hopefully make the cut.

"Matthew phoned us on Monday night and was on cloud nine. It's his proudest moment, especially after the disappointment of last year."

Although Griffiths' parents are already booked into a hotel, he is having to constantly switch his accomodation and is unsure where he'll sleep on Saturday night if he makes the cut.

"I'm swapping and changing round bed and breakfasts each night because there is nothing available in Lytham and only a couple in Blackpool.

"If I make the cut I don't know where I'm staying on Saturday. I've already moved twice and I've got to move again later today."