BRIAN Gallacher is celebrating after finishing second in the British Disabled Open Stableford competition.

The 34-year-old, who plays off a handicap of 26, was 'chuffed to bits' to finish second after applying on a whim.

"I just emailed Royal Lytham and St Annes to ask how I could go about entering and they sent me an application form.

"Now I am hoping to take part in some tour events organised by the British Amputees Association. They play in Cape Town, Marseille and have events in America and Japan. It would be fantastic to be able to play in them."

Gallacher is a member at Rishton golf club but had to travel to Swindon for the Open.

"I was chuffed to bits to finish second, it was such a challenge. Now I am hoping to get sponsorship for the tour events, just for travel expenses." Gallacher, who has been a left-arm amputee since the age of 13, has been playing golf for 13 years and won his first competition at Rishton last week.

"Playing golf just started as a bet when I was 21. It wasn't particularly tough, it was just a laugh at first but then I started enjoying it more.

"I won an ELGA qualifier at Rishton last week but unfortunately I couldn't qualify because it was only for golfers with handicaps of 18 or under."