Jeff Pinsent, a Sandy Lodge Golf Club PGA professional, is one step away from following in the footsteps of Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes with an appearance in the Lombard Trophy final at Gleneagles.

The 52-year-old, a pro at the club for 22 years, will along with Keith Cunnington, advance to the regional final at Walton Heath Golf Club on July 8 to compete for a play at the PGA Centenary Course in September after winning the club's qualifying event.

Gleneagles was the scene of Europe's dramatic matchplay win over the United States last year and the duo are now agonizingly close to having the chance to tread the fairways where Rory McIlroy, Jordan Speith and Phil Mickelson have gone before.

Pinsent and Cunnington will now compete against up to 70 other clubs for the chance to secure one of 16 prized spots available for the 36-hole grand final.

The tournament attracts entries from upwards of 700 clubs across Great Britain and Ireland. The PGA National Pro-Am Championship has a total prize fund of £80,000, with the winning professional at the grand final taking home a cheque for £12,000.

Last year's winners were PGA Professional Richard O’Hanlon and amateur partner Andy Jones from St Kew Golf Club in Cornwall.