A RYDER Cup style event under the watchful eye of top professional Lee Westwood has reignited a talented Bromsgrove man's passion for golf.

Adam Mason qualified to play in a tournament at the famed Belfry course, near Sutton Coldfield, last Tuesday.

He represented an eight-strong team of golfers aged between 18 and 49 against a team of seniors who were captained by former Ryder Cup player Tommy Horton.

Adam helped his partner to victory in a four ball match in the morning but he was beaten in his afternoon singles as the over 50s won the tournament 7-5.

The 19-year-old Harvington Road resident plays off a three handicap but his golfing chances have been limited since September when he started a business degree at the University of Surrey.

He said: "I had lost some motivation so this tournament has been fantastic.

"The qualifying was also at The Belfry which is where I've always wanted to play.

"I saw my hero Seve Ballesteros play there in three Ryder Cups and it was brilliant to do it myself.

"Even if I hadn't qualified it would have been worthwhile. Hopefully, this will be a turning point in my golfing career."

This was the first year of The Express/Centrum Challenge. After sending off an application form, Adam was invited to the qualifying last Monday along with 127 other hopefuls from the two age groups.

It was played off handicaps and the Kings Norton Golf Club member was the third best qualifier in the under 50s.

On the morning of the tournament, Adam teed up at the famous par four tenth hole and pulled out a six iron to play safe rather than go for the green which is surrounded by water. Westwood, who like Tommy Horton was a non-playing captain, told big-hitting Adam to go for broke.

He went with his driver - but he was two yards short of the green and the ball went in the water.

Adam, a former pupil at Millfield School, in Somerset, plays on the Prospects Tour which is organised by Colin Springate for golfers aged between 18 and 23.

His first tournament as an adult was the recent Bromsgrove Golf Club Men's Open - he won.

Adam said: "My studies are top of my priority list at the moment but my ambition is to become a golf pro.

"There are a lot of good players out there and I've got loads of hard work to do.

"I only just failed to drive the tenth green at The Belfry this time, maybe I'll get another chance during a Ryder Cup."

Watch this space to find out.