PARKSTONE Golf Club’s Helen Durrant earned the title of England Golf's female handicapper of the year when she reached the final stage of the Bridgestone Chase Your Dream Trophy.

The 49-year-old kept alive her dream of a place in the pro-am at the British Masters by being one of nine finalists to qualify through England Golf Week at Frilford Heath.

Durrant, who carded a nett 70 on the Oxfordshire course to top the leaderboard, said: “I can’t stop smiling. I can’t believe I finished first in an incredibly strong field.

“I won my regional round and now I’ve finished top again. Hopefully, I can continue my form.”

Durrant is one round away from teeing it up alongside a professional at the star-studded event at Walton Heath in October.

She must first be a part of the winning team in the Bridgestone Challenge.

The 24-handicapper overcame a painful injury before taking up the game.

“I used to be a gymnast and never thought I’d start golf. I then damaged my back and knew my gymnastic days were over,” she added.

“I picked up a golf club and I was hooked. I never expected anything like this, though.

“My son plays off a single-figure handicap and my aim is to get down low enough to beat him.”