DAVID Tapping's golfing claim to fame may have come 13 years ago, but the Eynesbury Golf Club professional is aiming for another chance to play on the big stage.

The Englishman from St Albans, north of London, was fourth at the halfway mark of the 1997 British Open, the high-point in his two-year spell on the European Tour.

When his form on the tour tailed off, Tapping came to Australia in 1999 to continue his professional career and it was in Victoria that he met his now-wife Kate.

After years divided between England and Australia, Tapping decided to settle here and now has a young family - Christopher, 6, and Samantha, 4.

While his two inspired rounds at Royal Troon may now feel a world away, Tapping will next week be firing up the competitive juices again to match his skills against fellow professionals.

The 35-year-old will compete at Sandhurst in a three-round qualifying event against 49 other Australian club professionals. The top two will earn a card for the Australian PGA event at Coolum in December.

Tapping was competitive in the corresponding qualifier last year, finishing first of the Victorian contingent and ninth overall. He again takes good form into this year's tournament.

"Last year I didn't know what to expect. This year I went to the second qualifying round expecting to get through.

"At Sandhurst last year I was about six shots off the winner.

"Now I go into this tournament knowing a bit more and hoping to do everything I can.

"I know the Sandhurst course pretty well. I'm good with the longer aspects, but I need to polish up the chipping and putting."

Tapping's professional experience has been a key in growing Eynesbury's membership numbers and establishing the club's annual pro-am, held in March.

The first round of the Australian PGA qualifying event at Sandhurst is next Wednesday.

Teo Pellizzeri