Dyke golfer enjoys a round with Ryder Cup hero

Martin Derrick from Dyke Golf Club, Spencer Burlingham from Essex, and 12-year-old Isabelle Badger from Stourbridge in the West Midlands won the prestigious competition for club golfers, run in partnership with England Golf.

Their money-can’t-buy prize was an invitation to play at the pro-am of the Sky Sports British Masters at Walton Heath.

SEE ALSO Europe win the Ryder Cup again - this time at Cuckfield Golf Centre | Golf at Goodwood's McDonnell wins PGA titleThe trio enjoyed an occasion to savour in front of thousands of spectators at the European Tour event with Dane Olesen – the conqueror of Jordan Spieth in his Ryder Cup singles – on hand to give his expert advice and tips during the 18 holes.

Olesen said: “It was great to play with Isabelle, Martin and Spencer. I hope they had a memorable day. It is always nice to be able to play with amateurs and help provide an experience like this. They were lovely company and I hope they enjoyed themselves.”

Isabelle, from Halesowen Golf Club, said: “I loved every second. I felt more confident than I thought I would. There were lots of people watching and clapping. It’s usually only Dad with me, so this was a bit different.

“I watched Thorbjørn on television last week when he played in the Ryder Cup, so it was crazy to be playing alongside him today. He was such a nice man. All of my friends back at school are really proud of me and have supported me during the different stages to get here, so I can’t wait to see them again and tell them all about it.”

Spencer Burlingham, aged 34, from Saffron Walden Golf Club, said: “It was just like playing with one of my mates out on the course. Thorbjørn was such a lovely guy. He was such an easy, down-to-earth man and was always helping with yardages and lines to take on the greens.

Martin Derrick, aged 59, from Dyke Golf Club near Brighton, said: “The round flew by. Thorbjørn made it such a magical day and the experience is something that will live with me forever.”

The Chase Your Dream Trophy was created by the world’s number one tyre and rubber company with England Golf in an attempt to give something back to the ‘grassroots’ of the sport.

Now in its second year, the Chase Your Dream Trophy has continued to capture the imaginations of thousands of amateur golfers in clubs affiliated to England Golf, just as it did in its inaugural year 12 months ago.

Bridgestone’s North Region Marketing Communications Manager Andy Mathias said: “Isabelle, Spencer and Martin were the stars of the pro-am. Their ball striking and calmness in such an environment really was incredible and to see them laughing and joking with a Ryder Cup star like they’d known him all their lives was a highlight of the day for us.

"We’re thrilled for them and to see them chasing their dreams with Bridgestone made the whole competition worthwhile – that’s what it is all about for us.”

For more information about Bridgestone and its Chase Your Dream concept, visit www.nomatterwhat.uk.com