PGA EuroPro Tour Test For Dixon - 17/11/2007

FORMER England international footballer Lee Dixon enjoyed his first taste of professional golf last week when he took part in the PGA EuroPro Tour event at Whittlebury Park GC.

Ex-Arsenal defender Dixon was awarded a Sponsor's Invitation to The Whittlebury Park International Open as he made his debut on the golf circuit.

The 41-year-old, who won 22 caps for England and is now a BBC pundit, followed up his opening round 82 with a 77 to end his first tournament at +17.

Despite missing the cut, Dixon paid tribute to playing partners Jamie Farnsworth and Fraser Kelley, and admitted that he learned a great deal during his two days among golf's stars of the future.

"I really enjoyed it," said Dixon. "It was a brilliant experience and opened up my eyes to the world of professional golfers.

"The boys I played with, Jamie and Fraser, helped me tremendously too with things like pin positions and other bits of advice.

"I got better over the two days, but the main thing for me was competing. I have missed the competition since I retired from football.

"I'll practice all winter now and probably go and stay with Ian Poulter in Florida for a couple of weeks, as well as seeing Lee Scarbrow to work on my short game.

"That's what cost me. I made four double bogeys during the two rounds and all were with the sand iron. I was nervous around the green and hit them thin - I could have saved eight shots there.

"I was disappointed with my 82 on Thursday. I didn't feel I played that badly but I'd love to come back and try again next year.

"Hopefully I can get my handicap down a little - my BBC work is mainly at the weekends so I can get time off during the week to play - and play a couple more times on the PGA EuroPro Tour in 2006."