Tom Fleming will be hoping local knowledge comes into play when he competes in the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship at The Oxfordshire next week.

The Frilford Heath assistant professional qualified for this prestigious tournament, which starts next Tuesday, by winning the South regional qualifier at The Oxfordshire.

“It’s one of my favourite courses,” he said.

“I’ve played it lots of times, and it seems to suit my game. I prefer playing target golf, rather than playing bump and run.

What of his chances? “To be honest, I’m not playing that well at the moment,” he admitted.

“But I’m just starting my preparations for the tounament and hope to do well.

“After four years as an assitance, I’ve just qualified, so this is the first time I’ve been eligible to compete.”

Fleming, 28, who joined Frilford as a junior in 1995, will be joined by North Oxford’s Lee Jackson.

In addition to the £90,000 prize fund, an added incentive for the top ten finishers is that points gained will count towards selection for next year’s Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup team to face the United States at CordeValle in Northern California.

Justin Barnes, the professional at The Oxfordshire, has warned the 156-strong field for the four-round event that the inviting fairways and greens conceal a rigorous golfing examination.

“The course is in great condition, but don’t be fooled, there is a bite to it,” he said.