LUCY Walton is one step closer to playing with a European Tour star after qualifying for the national final of Bridgestone’s Chase Your Dream Trophy.

The 17-year-old Worcestershire Golf Club ace triumphed at the regional qualifier at Sonning Golf Club with a net score of 72 shots. She now goes forward to the final in England Golf Week at Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, in August where she will get the chance to become female handicap golfer of the year.

The top nine players in the field will also play in the pro-am of the Bridgestone Challenge, the English leg of the Challenge Tour, at Luton Hoo on 6 September.

They will be joined by the top nine players from the companion men’s championship, making up a total of six teams in the pro-am.

The most successful of these sides will go on to the pro-am of the British Masters, supported by Sky Sports, at Close House in Northumberland later in the same month, playing with a European Tour player.

Walton, playing off a handicap of one, said: “My driving on the day was good and I was helped by a beautiful course at Sonning.

“I finished well on hole 18 but was relaxed throughout.

“I’m glad I qualified and am looking forward to the next round. It’s a great chance to meet loads of new people and a big opportunity to play important golf.”

The Bridgestone Chase your Dream Trophy is an annual event open to members of England Golf’s 1,900 affiliated clubs.

She added: “My family is very sporty. My dad (Pete Walton) played rugby union for Newcastle Falcons, Scotland and is currently England U18’s international performance coach. Sport just runs in my blood. I picked up clubs as a junior and it instantly gripped me.”