WILTSHIRE golfer Mike White has labelled his Senior Open Championship experience as ‘incredible’ despite missing the cut at last week’s tournament.

The competition attracted most of the world’s top professional golfers over the age of 50, with West Wilts Golf Club member White competing alongside the likes of Sir Nick Faldo, Tom Watson, Colin Montgomery and eventual champion Bernhard Langer.

The former Wiltshire County Champion even got to play a practice round with German Langer, who confirmed his status as the world’s top senior golfer with victory at Royal Porthcawl in Wales.

In Thursday’s first round, the 52-year-old retired police officer teed off in driving rain and wind and his seven-over score of 78 placed him joint 82nd.

An early start in the second round on Friday again saw White battling strong winds but he could not match his performance and returned a score of 86 to finish a total of 22-over in a tie for 124th place.

“Qualifying for the Senior Open was my aim when I started having lessons a couple of years ago. I was fortunate enough to play my best golf of the year in the qualifying round,” said White.

“The week was quite surreal. As a player, I had access to all areas and the players’ lounge and locker room was like being in a living golf hall of fame.

“Playing a practice round with Bernhard Langer was an experience that will live with me for ever.

“It was an incredible week and an experience that gives me plenty of stories to tell over the years.”