Darren plots his way through desert storm

Beau Desert Golf Club amateur Darren Brindley says the Cannock Chase venue is still recovering from the effects of Storm Doris.

But the 46-year-old ceramic plant manager admits joining the Staffordshire club just five months ago was a great decision.

Brindley qualified for the Lombard Trophy qualifying round which is being held at Little Aston Golf Club near Birmingham on June 6 where he will partner Beau Desert’s PGA professional Barrie Stevens - a former winner of the event.

But 13-handicapper Brindley admits there was some damage caused when ‘Doris’ struck in February.

“You couldn’t help but notice it, it was shortly after I joined in January,” he said.

“As soon as I’d came in all the trouble happened with the trees coming down, but they soon got it back on track.

“A few trees had come down at the seventh and eighth holes.

“But all it’s done is given you a view of more trees!

“It’s still beautiful scenery, I’d moan if you could only see factories, but that’s not the case.

“It’s easy to take it for granted.

“I wish I’d joined Beau Desert 20 years ago

“It’s an absolute pleasure to play there. You really feel part of the club.”

The pair will be aiming to qualify for the £41,450 grand final in Portugal which is being held at the Vila Sol resort in the Algarve from September 21-22.

But the Cannock-based player admitted he did not quite know what he was letting himself in for.

“When they told me to enter, I did it but I wasn’t sure what it involved, but I didn’t ask any questions - I enter every competition going,” he smiled.

“I ended up qualifying to play alongside Barrie and to say I’m a bit nervous about it would be an understatement!

“I just want to hit my first tee shot long and straight and then I’ll be fine. I’ve taken a look at the Little Aston course online, my knees might be trembling a bit.

“The yardage is one of my concerns. I like to plot my way around the course. But I’ve never experienced anything like this before.”