GOLFER Ben Stow says he is ready for the challenges ahead after marking his return from a long-term knee injury by finishing tied 41st at the Sicilian Open at the weekend.

The 25-year-old, from East Knoyle, spent a prolonged period out of action after suffering a knee injury whilst walking.

However, after making his return to competitive action earlier this year, he says he is fully recovered.

Stow finished inside the top 50 of the European Tour event after carding a score of one-under-par on the Italian island.

The Rushmore Golf Club-based player, who had an operation on his knee last summer, has now set his sights on claiming a card for the European Tour and qualifying through the second-tier Challenge Tour.

“I played okay last week and it was good to get back out there on the European Tour events, where you feel the buzz of competition,” he said.

“The injury is great. I am fully fit and there is nothing in my subconscious of my knee being sore, which is really good.

“I can do anything which life throws at me now. Getting back to playing on the European Tour was great too, they always have a nice atmosphere.

“I have to wait and see what ones (tournaments) I can play in, but my main aim is to get my tour card through the Challenge Tour.

“I’m confident. I’m starting to play better and I know I can compete at the top level on the Challenge Tour.”

Reflecting on his performance in Italy, Stow believes it has given him a boost in confidence, especially after navigating some tricky conditions.

The Wiltshire player, who qualified for the Open Championship at Muirfield in 2013, claimed just over £5,000 in prize money for his efforts and says that cash will be spent on travel costs.

“Before the tournament, I had played solidly all week. I didn’t have too many bad shots even though it was very windy,” he added.

“I did really well and made the cut on one-under par. I was chuffed with that, and then I had a bit of a slow weekend where I didn’t play as well.

“I still played okay, and I played with some great guys as well, which was nice to be able to do.

“The prize money will go straight into the pot to pay for travel to the next event. I’m afraid it costs a lot of money to play golf. When you win some, it goes straight back into the pot.”