Johnson aims to ink Portugal date

A semi-retired tattoo artist from Liverpool is relishing the opportunity to represent Lee Park in his biggest event since taking up golf almost 10 years ago.

Peter Johnson, 55, will tee up alongside his PGA Professional Chris Crowder, above, in the regional final of the Lombard Trophy at Dunham Forest on June 30.

There they will be hoping to secure a place in the £41,500 grand final. The Lombard sponsored tournament, supported by Coca Cola, is being held at the beautiful Pestana Golf Resort in Vila Sol, Portugal, from September 22-23.

Johnson initially took up the sport for the health benefits, playing in the Liverpool FC Golf Society before joining Lee Park three years ago.

And he admitted he has been surprised at how hooked he became with the sport.

“When I was growing up golf didn’t seem very accessible,” the 17 handicapper admitted. “I think at the time I saw it as being elitist.

“But I got involved as I wanted to get healthier. It has helped me to lose a few stone and I really like the social side of things too.

“I decided to join Lee Park when the Liverpool FC Golf Society closed down, and I haven’t looked back.

“It’s so friendly and a great place to spend time. The manager is a really nice guy and I’ve heard Chris is a very good player.

“I’m a bit nervous about the event, I have to admit. I’ve never played in anything like this before. But I’m hitting the ball well and feel good.”

Johnson is a big fan of Portugal, the venue for the winning team at Dunham Forest.

“I’ve played there four times and loved it each time we’ve been out there,” he enthused.

“It’s a great place to play golf with some amazing courses.

“I last played there in February but it would be great to go back out there for this.”

Other players competing in the regional final at Dunham Forest include: Andrew Richardson and Keith Hollinrake (a) (Blackpool North Shore), Ian Lee and Brian McDonnell (a) (Haigh Hall), Andrew Barnett and Richard Williams (a) (Pennant Park), Lee Harpin and Mathew Baston (a) (Rhos on Sea) and Stephen Marr and Ben Etherington (a) (Withington).