Kirby Muxloe's Jason Palmer fired a course record to be the pick of the Leicestershire golfers competing in the Local Final Qualifying tournaments for the Open.
But his seven-under-par 63 at Dunbar was not enough to secure him a place at Muirfield in two weeks' time.
With only three slots available to get into the Open from each of the four Scottish courses in use at this stage, Palmer went tantalisingly close by finishing in joint-fourth place.
No other Leicestershire professional, or amateur, went closer than Palmer, whose 63 followed up a first-round 71, leaving him in a four-way tie on six-under 134.
The top qualifier at Dunbar was Scottish amateur Grant Forrest (Craigielaw) after his 67-65 cards for a 132 total, with two on 133 – Shiv Kapur (India) and John Wade (Australia).
Palmer, who fired eight birdies in his 63, said: "I knew I had to go low in my second round, and I was really happy with how I played, especially under pressure towards the end. With four birdies in the last five holes, I knew I was in with a shout. I just could not have done more.
"Unfortunately, it was just not quite enough, so that was disappointing.
"But it was great experience and I know it will all prove invaluable in future.
"This was a big occasion and there were so few places, no reserve spots at all, so it was always going to be difficult."
Glen Gorse amateur Ashley Mason also played at Dunbar and he finished on 142 after his 72-70 returns.
Pro Matthew Cort (Rothley) shared 10th on two-under 140 at Musselburgh, where he opened with 73 then hit four-under 67, including five birdies, in his second session.
The top qualifier at Musselburgh was pro Steven Tiley on nine-under 133, winning by three shots.
Whetstone's Craig Shave was competing at North Berwick, where he returned 74-72-146, while Paul Broadhurst and Ian Burnett (Luffenham Heath) also failed to qualify there.
Another County amateur, Cosby's Alastair Kinnaird, posted a total of 150 after his rounds of 74-76 at Gullane No.1 course.
