Mike and his caddie and guide, Bill Routledge from Hamilton, travelled to Ireland to compete against 47 blind and visually impaired golfers from across the world including from as far afield as Australia, Canada and Israel.

Heavy rain on day one of the competition meant that some of the greens started to flood and play had to be suspended.

It was down to an 18 hole shoot-off to decide the 2008 British Blind Open champion.

Mike knew it was all or nothing and he and Bill launched their bid for victory.

Mike said: "Bill and I had a chat and decided to go all out, do or die. Our golf was superb to say the least.

"My Wilson Staff Dd6+ Driver was not only ripping it long but up the middle like an arrow. My two new secret weapons in my bag, the Wilson Staff FYBRIDS were awesome with my FYBRID 4 carrying 200 yards and the FYBRID 19.5 degree flying 220.

"My Wilson Staff Di7 irons, which I have used for 18 months, were ripping it to the greens and with me now using the Titleist Pro V1x, control on the greens simple."

Mike put together a fantastic round of 64 thanks to his accurate driving and iron play and some fantastic form on the greens, managing to avoid the dreaded 3 putt.

The pair had to wait more than an hour as the remaining groups finished their rounds.

But it was worth the wait as Mike was crowned champion, winning by two strokes.

Mike hailed his triumph as his "greatest ever win" and dedicated it to Andy Clift of Wilson Staff.

Mike said: "Andy has supported me for more than four years and has believed in me, being on the end of the phone when I need him.
"I look up to Padraig Harrington and Anthony Wall of Wilson Staff but Andy is my superstar."

He added: "I also would like to thank Ian Rae my coach, Hollandbush GC, Hamilton G.C., Strathclyde Park Golf Centre where I practise and of course my beautiful wife Karen and our daughter Claire for putting up with my golf moods and my caddy Bill Routledge who's my rock."

The 2009 British Blind Open will be held at Hamilton GC, giving Mike the chance to defend his title on home soil.

He is also seeking sponsorship for his 2009 Blind Golf season. To sponsor Mike, contact him on 01555 893253.