A MAN from Poole will be putting his money away now when he plays golf after winning free rounds for life.

Daniel Payne, 24, from Poole, beat thousands of golf enthusiasts across the UK and Ireland to win a free four-ball every month for the next 30 years.

He, and three friends, will now have a choice of more than 1,200 courses across the British Isles.

Daniel, a trainee accountant, won the prize courtesy of booking sites GolfNow.com and Teeofftimes.co.uk. He said: “Davis Love and his American Ryder Cup team couldn’t feel as happy as I do right now.

“When I saw the Golf for Life competition advertised, I had no hesitation in entering, but I never imagined for even one second that I could actually win it. I love golf and have played since I was a teenager so this really is a dream prize for me.”

The 24 handicapper added: “I’m so thrilled that I will be able to enjoy the sport completely free of charge for the next 30 years – and I’m also going to be very popular with my mates.

“I really can’t believe it and would like to thank GolfNow for making this amateur golfer very happy.”

Brian Smith, vice president of international sales for GolfNow, congratulated Daniel on his win.

“I hope he enjoys playing a wide range of courses throughout the UK and Ireland,” he said.

“We knew that our competition would be popular, but even we didn’t anticipate the vast number of entries which we received.

“It just goes to show that golf is becoming ever more popular as a sport and pastime. Last year, we supported 22.5 million rounds of golf booked in the UK and Ireland, which equates to almost one every second.”

He added: “I’d like to thank all golfers who entered this competition. There can only be one winner but be sure to keep an eye out on the GolfNow website and social media pages for more exciting initiatives going forward.”

Professional golfer turned NBC celebrity analyst, David Feherty, the face of GolfNow’s recent TV adverts, also congratulated Daniel on his prize.

“Apparently, some people think golf for life is a good thing. I’d be hoping to be eligible for parole at some stage but, hey, to each his own.

“But seriously, this is a fantastic prize and I’d like to congratulate Daniel – I’m sure that he is absolutely delighted.”