Jonathan Gidney's trick shot a match for Rory McIlroy?

http://youtu.be/zr24LMcFE4U

Shropshire's Jonathan Gidney is on the brink of winning a national competition to emulate a Rory McIlroy trick shot – and sealing a meeting with the golfing mega star.

Gidney, a Church Stretton-based professional, is leading the way in a Santander-backed trick shot challenge to mimic the 'over-the-head' shot from US Open champion McIlroy which has recently featured on a television advert.

Gidney's video entry in the internet-based competition was filmed on the second green at Church Stretton and has been selected as one of the five finalists.

It sees him hit a shot to within two feet – despite facing the wrong way.

A meeting with McIlroy is part of the prize on offer for the winner, who will also receive £12,000 in the form of a bond and £1,000 cash up front.

• Vote for Jonathan Gidney's trick shot here

And, with the voting due to close tomorrow night, 24-year-old Gidney is in pole position with a healthy advantage over his rivals.

"Phil Mickelson played the shot a few years ago and it's something you try and copy when you are messing around in practice," said 24-year-old Gidney, a former regular for Shropshire & Herefordshire before he left the amateur ranks.

"It's not he kind of shot you would think about playing again unless there is a reason.

"I never thought about winning it but now I'm leading it's pretty exciting, even though I'm taking nothing for granted."

"To get to meet Rory McIlroy would be brilliant and I would be doing everything I can to get a round of golf with him."

Voting closes at midnight tomorrow and at the start of today, Gidney's shot had attracted 8,092 votes – well over 1,000 clear of his nearest rival.

Watch Rory McIlroy's trick shot in the advert here:

http://youtu.be/HvOPB1UwHMY