Doncaster Golf Club's Declan Stoppard closes in on dream prize

The 18-year-old beat thousands of amateur golfers across England to make the final stage of the Bridgestone Chase Your Dream Trophy and be named England Golf's Male Handicap Golfer of the Year.

He kept alive his dream of a place in the pro-am of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports by qualifying from England Golf Week at Frilford Heath Golf '“ being one of just nine finalists to do so from a field of 60.

Stoppard is now only one round away from once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of playing with a professional at the British Masters supported by Sky Sports in October - but must first be a part of the winning team in the Bridgestone Challenge.  

In 2017, the three overall winners partnered Ryder Cup hero Nicolas Colsaerts at the pro-am of the British Masters at Close House.

Stoppard became England's Male Handicap Golfer of the Year by winning the men's national final of the Bridgestone Chase Your Dream Trophy.

He shot a 69 net and eventually topped the final field of a competition which began way in the spring, featuring 1,900 golf clubs in England.

If he is part of the winning team at the Bridgestone Challenge at Luton Hoo this week, he will go on the pro-am of the British Masters at Walton Heath '“ not bad for a lad who was contemplating giving up last year.

He said: 'There were times when I felt like giving up last year. I was thinking about packing it in. It was all getting too stressful, so I have just tried to enjoy the game and treat it for what it is.

'Dad has been a massive help and was with me throughout my round. He kept encouraging me and was positive from the first tee to the last. It was a special feeling to have him by my side and to see me collect the silverware at the end.'