Golf: Hats off to Newbattle ace for stylish display in Trilby

As well as testing golf skills it involves players looking the part and Newbattle member Colin Church both played well and also cut a dash when he teed up at Rockcliffe Hall in County Durham.

The four-handicapper won there with a two-over-par 74 and now lines up in front of the Sky cameras at one of the event's finals at the KP Club in Yorkshire on June 2.

"I followed the Trilby Tour last year and wanted to give it a go because it is unique - something different in golf," said Church.

He's the managing director of Big Red Teapot, which consists of Hamilton's Bar and Kitchen in Stockbridge and Treacle in Broughton Street.

But the keen golfer - he's also a member at Dunbar - is looking forward to his chance to feel like a pro for the day.

"To win at Rockcliffe Hall was great and hopefully I can hit some good shots in front of the TV cameras," he added.

The Trilby Tour was created by menswear designer William Hunt in 2007 and has grown to become the "biggest and most stylish" amateur tournament in the UK. Each round is broadcast as part of a summer series on Sky Sports with the top prize going to the winner of the final event.

Players pay a 250 entry fee and are kitted out with a William Hunt outfit, trilby hat, limited edition Callaway golf bag, and caddy outfit.

The appeal of the tournament lies in its unusual competitive format and concludes with a 4-man, 3-hole shootout to decide the winner.

"I love to see grown men shaking at the first tee - some of them think they have it all under control and then they fold like a deck of cards in front of the cameras," said Hunt.

"And then they relive that moment when the screening comes out - now that's hard."

He added: "It's fantastic to see the Trilby Tour community growing; we have some guys coming back each year - I call them Trilby Tourians.

"There's a brilliant camaraderie on and off the course."

Church will line up in his final as the Scotland and Northern England regional champion thanks to his victory in the qualifier.

"It is great to get the opportunity to be part of a golf Tour," he admitted. "The finals run from the start of May through to August. I've played in pro-ams in the past and enjoyed that experience enormously.

"But this will be completely different and, of course, playing in front of TV cameras adds a whole new aspect."