GARY WOLSTENHOLME - possibly Britain's top amateur golfer - will play in this year's Wilpshire Trophy.

Shocked club officials thought it was a hoax when the three-times Walker Cup winner rang up for an application form for the tournament.

But they sent one out and it was duly returned - which means Wilpshire will see possibly its best ever golfer when Wolstenholme arrives for a practice round on Friday, July 5, 24 hours before the event begins.

Nelson's Tony Flanagan won the competition last year but will have his work cut out trying to retain the prize faced with the threat of the Leicestershire man, who boasts one of the lowest handicaps in Britain at +4.

"He's not playing in the Wilpshire Trophy!" said the disbelieving Flanagan when the Lancashire Evening Telegraph informed him of the surprise entry into the tournament.

"He never comes this far north because it's too cold and windy!

But he added: "He'll have to bring his best game. I don't think he'll win because it is a local knowledge course.

"But he's a fantastic player. I have done some practice rounds with him and I tell you, if it is a bit windy you never know what might happen. I am looking forward to playing against him and I will be trying to win again."

It is thought that Wolstenholme, nicknamed the 'Tiger Tamer' because he was the last man to beat Tiger Woods as an amateur back in 1995, decided to enter the 36-hole Wilpshire contest because he is opening the extension to the Silverdale course in the Lake District a day later.

Trophy organiser John Wilson said: "I think he is making a weekend of it. He is going up to Silverdale - which is local to where he grew up - on the Sunday so wanted a competition to play in on the Saturday.

"We thought it was a hoax when he rang up because we have never had anyone of that standing play here before."

Wolstenholme, 41, won the British Amateur Championships in 1991, and has won the South African Strokeplay Championship and the Berkhamsted Trophy this season having shaken off a troublesome hamstring injury.

He has won tournaments in many countries, including Spain, Finland, Argentina, Venezuela, China, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa

"He has won all over the place," said Wilson. "We are very excited about him playing here."