Wilson hopes to be feeling flush at Fairhaven

Lancashire plumber James Wilson will be aiming to tap into his best form and book a trip to Portugal for the Lombard Trophy final.

Wilson will team up with Darwen Golf Club’s PGA Professional Dominic Fitzgerald for the qualifying round to be held at Fairhaven Golf Club in Lytham St Annes on July 14.

Amateur Wilson, about to turn 32, already has his eyes firmly fixed on the top prize - and the 11 handicapper hopes he will be feeling flush on the day.

The pair will be dreaming of reaching the £41,450 National Pro-Am final which is being held at the Vila Sol resort in the Algarve from September 21-22.

Wilson took a break from golf following the birth of his daughter but says he is back in the swing of things and admits the incentive to win could hardly be greater.

“The lure of Portugal’s there and it’s better than winning a medal event so I’m really looking forward to playing in this competition,” he said.

“It’s a win-win for me. I could do with a break in Portugal! But it’s a great incentive for everyone.”

Wilson has worked hard on his game during the past year and the reward is the opportunity to qualify for a PGA final.

“I’ve had lessons with Dominic, he’s got me through some pretty bad looking golf shots and I’m playing confidently at the moment. I’d had a fairly demoralising season and worked through the winter and now I’m quite competitive,” said Wilson.

“I’m back in the game solidly now and have been for a couple of years. But I actually started playing 21 years ago when I was about 10. I had four or five years out of it when my little girl was born - so then you have other financial commitments.

“But Darwen Golf Club offered me a lifeline back in with cheaper membership.

“I’m self-employed but one of the lads who I work with lives near the course so I can drop him off then go and play golf! I can do that three or four times a week.”