Andy Norman could have still been pulling pints in the Rose and Crown at Barnstaple if it hadn't been for a chance meeting with a member of local North Devon golf club Libbaton.

But, thanks to one of his customers, he was persuaded to make a comeback. Golfer Gordon Brown told him Libbaton were seeking a PGA pro to give lessons and he filled in for a year until the position became permanent.

He was forced to pack in golf after falling down a flight of steps at Vilamoura during a golf tour of Portugal.

He badly damaged his left knee that is still pinned in three places after a series of operations and was unable to play for the best part of three years.

"I'm grateful for that chance to return to golf," said Norman, 32. "The knee ligaments gradually strengthened so I could eventually get back on the course.

"I couldn't bear to stay on in golf and not be able to play because I love the game so much," he said. "So I left, moved back to my home town and took over the pub."

A year later in 2003 he returned. Now he is on his way back to Portugal as the winner of the South West regional qualifier at Saunton in the Lombard Trophy, the largest pro-am in Europe.

He has never played at Vale do Lobo where he will join 15 other regional winners throughout Great Britain and Ireland who will enjoy an expenses paid luxury trip chasing the £10,000 prize for the leading pro on September 6-10.

"Ironically I was due to tee off at Vale do Lobo the day after my accident," he said. "So it will be great to see what I missed six years ago."

Although his own form was impressive he started with a birdie three with a 2-iron to two feet and added others on the 122-yard fifth and par-five 15th he was given a generous measure of help from local farmer Andrew Tucker from High Bickington who plays off 24. They returned in four-under 32 after a steady outward half of 33.

He only started playing a year ago. "I have only played golf at about five local clubs and have never played abroad so this will be a wonderful experience," he said.

"I did my bit when Andy was struggling and then picked up my ball on other holes while he made birdies and pars."

A six-under 65 was an astonishing score given the swirling gusts of up to 30mph on a day that started dull but ended in glorious sunshine.

Tony Nash (Bowood Park), who triumphed last year with the same score in far better conditions, finished at two-over-par this time. "The winners' score today was outstanding," he said.

Jonathan Langmead, playing with his Exminster club secretary Mike Jones, claimed second place on countback from Royal Porthcawl pair Peter Evans and Tony Disley, two behind on 66. Langmead carded five birdies and played the back nine in level par.

The ten leading professionals shared a regional final prize fund of £2,500, the winner receiving £475, and there were also valuable prizes for the top four amateurs in the largest pro-am in Europe.

Sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, the Lombard Trophy is now in its 12th year and carries an overall prize fund of nearly £80,000. The winning professional in the Grand Final receives £10,000.