A GOLF trip of a lifetime awaits amateur David Somerville and his Church Stretton PGA Professional James Townsend if they can come through the next stage of Europe's biggest pro-am competition, the Lombard Trophy.

Somerville took his first big step towards a luxury five-day trip to one of Europe's leading courses, San Lorenzo in Portugal, when he won the club qualifying competition on April 6, with a nett score of 61.

He and Townsend now advance to the regional final on May 30, at Enville Golf Club, where they'll play one round of better-ball medal play. The winners of 16 regional finals throughout Britain and Ireland will enjoy an all expenses paid luxury trip to compete at San Lorenzo from September 5-9.

David Somerville, 32, is an Account Manager from Church Stretton where he lives with his wife and two sons. He has been playing golf for three years and plays off a handicap of 13.

James Townsend, 31, has been the club professional at Church Stretton four years.

The winning professional in the regional final receives £475, and there are valuable prizes for the top amateurs.

Sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, the Lombard Trophy offers an overall professional fund of £75,000. The winning pro' in Portugal will receive £7,500.

Now in its ninth year, the Lombard Trophy has an entry this season of around 100,000 club golfers from all over Britain and Ireland. Last year's winners were the Yorkshire club, Oulton Park, represented by their professional Steve Gromett and 12-handicapper Alan Cooper.