CIRENCESTER golfer Daimien McConnell has won through to the final of the Mercedes Trophy, the world's largest amateur tournament – and he did so at the home of golf, St Andrews.

McConnell, who only took up the sport in 2012, was part of a three-strong team representing Mercedes-Benz of Swindon, who travelled up to Scotland.

McConnell, a member at Cirencester Golf Club, won the 19-plus handicap category at the UK final and will now go forward to represent Mercedes-Benz UK against 30 other nations in the World Final in Germany next September.

Daimien won the Stableford competition by a four-point margin over two rounds played on St Andrews’ Castle and Kingsbarns courses. During the four-day trip, the golfers stayed at the internationally-famous Old Course Hotel and enjoyed full Mercedes-Benz hospitality including a gala prize-giving dinner on the final night at Glamis Castle.

“Playing in a tournament set-up at the home of golf was an absolutely fantastic experience,” said Daimien, an accountant and father-of-two. “With gorgeous weather, amazing courses and great company, it really was the trip of a lifetime.

“Having gone there with no expectations at all to win, my victory was a dream come true and I’m still pinching myself about it as well as next year’s trip to the World Final.”

Daimien and fellow Mercedes-Benz of Swindon customers, Viv Monument and Jon James, qualified for Scotland after winning through a golf day at Bowood Golf Club and a MercedesTrophy regional final at New Zealand Golf Club in Surrey.

Together with Mike Fellows, the retailer’s managing director, the foursome finished runners-up in the team competition at St Andrews.