DISASTER is never far away for a golfer, even for the best as Jon Hems will testify after seeing his hopes of qualifying for this year's British Open disappear in a flurry of triple and double bogeys.

Hems, a professional on the satellite Euro Pro Tour, and attached to Bransford Golf Club, suffered the golfing equivalent of a Devon Lock when he dropped 10 shots in his last four holes at Trentham on Monday.

It tested Hems' resolve and he readily admits that 12 months ago he would have thrown a tantrum after seeing his two under par turn to eight over as he walked off the 18th.

His recent work with a sports psychology has however ensured the setback suffered is taken in his stride.

The 27-year-old in-fact has more pressing things on his mind as he sharpens his game for the rigorous examination it will undergo at the European Tour qualifying school later in the year.

Nonetheless it was still a bruising experience to lose 10 shots that had more in common with a Sunday morning hacker than a man capable of shooting sub par rounds.

Hems went awry at the 15th when he fired a six iron 226 yards (he normally hits them 186-187) over the green, to end up behind a tree.

He also saw his drive on the 16th hop under a bush, rough snare his ball on the 17th while the 18th saw further trouble with a tree and a bunker.

But Hems has also tasted golfing highs with runners up spots in the Worcestershire matchplay and amateur championships plus a fourth place in the Lagonda Trophy testament to his ability.

As he strives to succeed in the increasingly competitive world of golf, Hems is leaving nothing to chance in a bid to join the golfing elite.

He has altered his swing as well as embracing sports psychology, fitness and diet to stay ahead of the field and it's been absolutely necessary.

"The cuts are lower on the Euro Pro Tour than they are on the European Tour proper, often level or one under par" he explains.

"The standard is fantastic, really very good and I've found that I've had to alter things in my game to compete with that.

"It's a case of having to accept that it is a learning curve. There are a lot of good players out there.

"It takes time to adjust. As a pro you are not putting for third place in your monthly medal but for £10,000 and food on your table.

"It's hard but I wouldn't have it any other way."

The downside for Hems is that his career takes him away for long spells from his partner Catherine and six-year-old son Billy but that is the price he has to pay.

"That's the job unfortunately but hopefully we will reap the benefits in the future," added Hems.

"It took Ian Woosnam seven attempts to get his card but three years later he was world number one," added Hems. "You've got to have dreams and that's what I'm working towards."