Announcements

JASON Gilbert from Newton's Haydock Park Golf Club is one step closer to a round of a lifetime with a European Tour star after he won through a regional final of the Bridgestone Chase Your Dream Trophy, run in partnership with England Golf.

The five-handicapper kept alive his dream of a place in the pro-am of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports when he qualified at Bolton Old Links Golf Club.

Now he’ll head to England Golf Week in August at Frilford Heath Golf Club, Oxfordshire for the national finals of the Chase Your Dream Trophy. The top players there will play in the pro-am of the Bridgestone Challenge and the winning team there will make a date for the British Masters.

It’s a journey which already capturing the imaginations of thousands of amateur golfers in clubs affiliated to England Golf, just as it did in its inaugural year 12 months ago.

Last year, the three overall winners partnered Ryder Cup hero Nicolas Colsaerts at the pro-am of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports at Close House.

Jason, who scored a net 75 in qualifying on the Lancashire course, was happy to qualify from Bolton Links in tough conditions: “It was really tough with strong winds all day. There are lots of blind shots at Bolton, so on the whole I’m happy.”

“My front nine was better than my back nine though!”

The 46-year-old is hoping to continue his form going forward: “I’m looking forward to the next round, I just hope the conditions are better suited to golf!”

Bridgestone’s Consumer Sales & Marketing Director, Farrell Dolan said: “Jason has done fantastically to qualify for the next round amongst a field of fantastic golfers. He’ll continue to chase his dream of playing at the British Masters!

“Our Chase Your Dream Trophy has captured the imaginations of many, many golfers.

"We want to build on our 2017 successes and create another competition that is etched in the diaries of English amateur players – including Jason!”