Oil worker Andy hopes he has a platform for success

Oil rig worker Andy Nolan has been fuelling his obsession with golf ahead of the Lombard Trophy Final.

Nolan is partnering Dukinfield Golf Club PGA Professional David Green as the duo prepare to head out to Portugal for the National Pro-Am Championship event.

But time on the course is precious for Nolan who works on the rigs two weeks on before taking two weeks off.

Now he and Green will be flying out to conditions of a different kind for the Algarve showpiece where they will represent the Greater Manchester club.

They will be aiming to win the £41,450, Coca-Cola and Pestana Resorts supported, grand final which is being held at the Vila Sol resort in the Algarve between September 20-21.

The duo qualified for the final in July when they won the regional final on countback at Sandiway Golf Club after carding an eight under par round of 62.

And 14-handicapper Nolan has made sure he has been out on the golf course whenever he gets the chance.

“When I’m at home I speak to David, I’m one of these people who’s addicted to golf at the moment, I play as much as possible,” he said.

“I’m not playing more because I’m in the final, even beforehand I was constantly playing every time I get home.

“Outside of the wife’s chores and dog walking, it’s golf time!”

Nolan, aged 40, has been playing golf for four and a half years after ending his playing days in Scottish semi-professional football with Lossiemouth.

“It was an aim of mine to see just how far I could get my handicap down,” he added.

“I was a keen footballer when I was stationed in Scotland with the armed forces, then I turned to golf. It’s well and truly taken over.

“I’ve been fairly consistent since we made it to the final. I’ve had quite a lot of lessons too.

“But at the back end of October last year I said I’d have a break from it and wouldn’t touch the clubs for two months. I had lessons in January and it’s done well for me. I’m ready for the final now.”