Thomas earns his wings

Lincoln-based RAF engineer Matthew Thomas is set to fly into the regional final of the Lombard Trophy at Kings Lynn.

Thomas will compete alongside his Woodhall Spa PGA Professional Scott Emery on July 16 in what is Europe’s largest pro-am.

More than 800 clubs enter every year vying for a place in an £80,000 16-strong grand final, which will this year be held over Gleneagles’ PGA Centenary Course, venue for last year’s Ryder Cup, on September 1-2.

Thomas admitted that the opportunity to play the Perthshire venue would tick a rather large item off his bucket list.

Golf is in the 26-year-old’s blood, his father was an accomplished player and Thomas himself started playing the game aged just seven.

He now plays off a handicap of three and qualified to compete in the Lombard Trophy with an accomplished level-par total over his home course.

“Golf’s always been there ever since I was little,” he explained. “In fact after I was born my mum and dad took me straight to the local club before I had even been home!

“It’s something that I’ve always enjoyed, and working in the Air Force golf was a big part of the social side of that.

“Every now and again when I used to work away golf would take a bit of a back seat, but as soon as I got back I would be straight out on the course again.

“I’ve been playing at Woodhall Spa for about 14 months now and I really like the club.

“Scott’s well-known for his short game and I have had one lesson on that side of the game where he was excellent. I just hope my short game holds up now!

Thomas will head to Kings Lynn with just one practice round under his belt, having never played the course before.

“It’ll be an experience since I’ve never been there before,” he admitted.

“Hopefully if we can get a good practice round behind us we can take it from there.

“I’d love to be able to go to Gleneagles where the Ryder Cup was held last year. I’ve never won anything like that before.

“And playing there would be a massive thing to tick off my bucket list. It would be a great opportunity.”