A WARRINGTON golfer has moved one step closer to playing a round with one of Europe’s elite players.

Rachel Higson, from Leigh Golf Club in Culcheth, has won through a regional round of the Bridgestone Chase Your Dream Trophy.

Should she come through the national finals in August, she will advance to the pro-am tournament of the Bridgestone Challenge.

The top three golfers from that tournament will get the chance to rub shoulders with the big boys at the British Masters tournament in October.

Higson, 25, scored a net 71 to win the regional competition at Burton-on-Trent Golf Club and says it may have been the best golf she has ever played.

She also revealed that she had a lucky mascot on the day – her father – who will accompany her to the national finals at Frilford Heath in Oxfordshire.

“Everything went to plan, both my short game and my long game,” she said.

“I just played the course as it came and I finished the round top of the leaderboard. I’m over the moon!

“My Dad caddied for me on the day. He must be my lucky charm – so I’ll definitely be taking him to Frilford.”

This year’s British Masters tournament will take place at Walton Heath in Surrey and will be hosted by current world number three Justin Rose.

However, it is another Ryder Cup hero that Higson has her eye on partnering.

“My big aim is to have a round with Rory McIlroy, so I hope that I’ll slowly get there,” she said.

“I’m already excited for the next round and I’d love to get to the British Masters.”