ANDY Gilford had to overcome two hurdles on his trip to the Australian Blind Open.

To start with it was his first trip abroad - but the 22 hour flight proved to be no problem.

He then had to compose himself to compete in his first overseas competition - and finished a brilliant second with a score of 182.

"The whole experience was fantastic," said the 29-year-old who is the British number one and, depending on the changing handicaps, is number one in the world.

"I had never flown before, I had never been abroad but everything about it was brilliant."

Gilford won the Gorvins British Blind Championship in Stockport in a play-off to clinch the place in Australia where he and three other British players competed.

The Australian event consisted of two rounds, the first at Collier Park in Perth, on a par 71 course. Gilford enjoyed himself but was playing catch-up as the leader, Australia's Lindsay Peck, set a blistering pace.

"I was 12 shots behind the leader after day one," he said. "I was in fourth place and was still in with a chance as I was only four shots off second position."

Things went even better on day two at Nedlands in West Perth - on the course where the Nedlands Masters PGA event is held - where he had the best score of the day.

"I grossed 91 and I picked nine shots up on second.

"I ended up in second place, five shots ahead of third place, won a trophy and I loved it!"

The Darwen Golf Club member took along Roy Townsend from Gloucester, who stood in as caddy until usual one Val Brewer joined him.

"They certainly enjoyed it as well!" said Gilford.

It was no surprise to him though that Peck did steal the crown.

"It took a bit of getting used to the courses although I did have a week to practice. They are really sandy - they are like hitting a ball from a bunker - and the grass is different so the fairways seem strange.

"But I did get used to it and also managed to get a trip in to see some relatives. Now I can't wait to go back."

But he has other matters to contend with before he goes back Down Under. He has the honour of captaining the England side that will face Scotland at Pleasington next September.

"I have been vice captain and it is a great honour to make the step up," he admitted.

"And to captain England on my home territory, where I started my career, at Pleasington is even better. It's in Scotland one year and England the next but it's usually somewhere down south. So to bring it to Lancashire means such a lot to me."