DUNTOCHER professional golfer John Henry is confident of securing his EuroPro Tour card for the season and insists he can go on to bag his first tour win as a professional this campaign.

Henry booked his place in the final stage of qualifying for the EuroPro with an impressive -8 and a second placed finish in the first stage at Haggs Castle last week.

The Clydebank and District Golf Club member will travel to Frilford Heath Golf Club in Oxfordshire this week, where 240 players will aim to seal their EuroPro cards, Henry just has to make the cut of 80 to clinch his card for the year.

After putting in a lot of work on and off the course since the end of last season, Henry is confident of doing not only that, but getting his first ever tour win this year.

He said: “In the first stage I played as good as I could have over the two days. My score of -8 was probably the worst it could have been – I had a lot more chances to go even lower.

"It was good to get back into the competitive environment. I’m definitely confident of making the cut and getting my card for the year.

"This season I would like to win. I think I can definitely win. I feel a much improved player from when I finished last season. I’m getting better all the time, which is encouraging."

After three seasons on the Alps Tour, where he competed across Europe and beyond, Henry is looking forward to the benefits of being closer to home in the UK-based EuroPro.

John’s brother Scott currently plays some events on the European Tour, but is mainly on the Challenge Tour. However, he still found time to caddie for his younger brother at Haggs Castle.

John added: “Scott caddied for me at Haggs Castle. He did a good job. I’ve caddied for him but last time he did it for me was probably six or seven years ago.

“I think he was quite surprised to see how well I was playing. It was good to catch up and get a bit of banter while we were going round.

“This season it will be good to get home on the Friday, see my girlfriend, friends, family and then get some practice in Saturday and Sunday and then be ready to play again on the Monday. It will probably be about £5,000 cheaper to play on the EuroPro than the Alps Tour.

“Some events on the Alps Tour you can spend up to £1,000 just on getting there.”

The John Henry Invitational takes place on Friday, July 8 at Clydebank and District GC. The price for a team of four is £130 which includes entry to the competition, beat the pro, yellow ball and a two-course meal, entertainment, raffle and auction taking place at night. If interested contact John on 07833 918042.