A talented London golfer whose career was threatened by a freak blood test accident is celebrating after returning to the winner's rostrum.
Phil Trow, assistant professional at Hendon Golf Club, beat 51 fellow pros to triumph in the final qualifier for the PGA PowerPlay Golf Championship at Wildwood today (Thursday, September 11).
The victory in golf's version of Twenty-20 cricket marks an upturn in fortunes for the 24-year-old whose swing was nearly destroyed by a botched blood test which damaged a main nerve.
"I've been struggling with a really bad arm injury since the start of the year," said Trow.
"I went for a blood test and the nurse missed the vein in my arm and accidentally stuck the needle in a nerve. It was absolute agony.
"I was supposed to be playing full time this year but my arm has taken ages to recover and it's only in the last week that it's started to come on.
"But this victory gives me a lot of confidence because the doctors and surgeons said it could be years before I play again properly so I'm really relieved to be playing good golf again."
Trow emerged top in the two flag format after winning a one hole shootout out at the PowerPlay qualifier and the £800 first prize by driving 280 yards to within a few feet of water and executing a perfect rescue flop shot to sink a decisive birdie.
As it was a PowerPlay (where stableford points count double) it gave him an 11 point tally to just pip Paul Eastwood (Sundridge Park) and Jamie Gurry (Millers Barn Golf Park) who were second on eight points. Adam Reynolds (Hampton Court), Johannes Daniel Lombard (Birchwood Park) and Rob Brightman (Millbrook) also made the one hole shootout.
Earlier, in the first stage of the qualifier, Trow and 30 other players had booked a place in the national final at Frilford Heath on October 17 where the field will play for £25,000.
"PowerPlay is great fun because it puts you under pressure but you are never out of it," added Trow.
"I needed an eagle to make the final six and got that and then managed a birdie in the shootout to win. I think it's a great game for both amateurs and pros alike."