Shropshire golfing ace Busby books his spot on European Tour

The 30-year old, who plays out of The Shropshire Golf Centre in Muxton, booked his place on the prestigious European Tour by finishing in joint-second place at the Challenge Tour Grand Final in Italy – and he'll now be playing the likes of World No.1 Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and Luke Donald

Busby and Dane Joachim B Hansen were edged out on the leader board by Norwegian Espen Kofstad, who took a one-shot victory on the final day.

But it does nothing to dilute Busby's achievement, which saw him begin the week in 45th place on the Challenge Tour order of merit. Only the top 21 graduate the main European Tour.

Busby had been the final player to qualify for the event but he signed off with a round of 66 to rise to 16th in the rankings and earn a European Tour card for next season.

He had earlier in the competition carded scores of 66, 67 and 67 in rounds one to three respectively and his top two finish ensured he will return to Muxton with 29,425 Euros in prize money as well.

The delighted professional was elated with his strong final round and admitted he had been feeling the pressure.

"What a great day. It was a bogey-free round as well which is very pleasing," he said.

"That putt at the last just summed up how I was feeling for the entire back nine – absolutely petrified.

"I was very nervous standing over that and I couldn't really feel anything. I was just very happy and very relieved to see it roll in.

"I said to my girlfriend, who's caddying for me, at the start of the week that we're just here to enjoy it and try to make a few quid. I've done that and come out with a European Tour card to boot. It's the stuff of dreams really.

"Up until today I was thinking about preparing for the Qualifying School, so I can't really put into words how delighted I am right now."

He also took to Twitter to thank his supporters, tweeting: "Cant believe I'm on the European Tour still feels like a dream!!! Thanks for all your kind words X"