CHORLEY’S Nick Dougherty admits he’s taken huge encouragement from his first appearance on the Challenge Tour as he embarks on resurrecting his golf career.

The 29-year-old Shaw Hill professional finished tied fourth at last week’s Columbian Classic, which has given him a great deal of satisfaction after a rotten 2011 campaign that saw him make just one cut during 32 events.

“It’s been a great experience,” said the former Queen Elizabeth Grammar School student. “The standard on the Challenge Tour is superb. It was not easy but there were some really good scores.

“I could have come and shot in the 100s because I hadn’t played in so long,” he said.

“But it’s baby steps. I’ve played poorly for a couple of years and I’m working hard at it and I feel like I’m making some really good progress in my mind now so it’s definitely a step in the right direction.”

Dougherty returns to action on March 29 when he competes at the Kenyan Open in Nairobi.