Ballards Gore professional David Salisbury enjoyed the trip of a lifetime when he took part in last week's Moscow Open.

The Benfleet golfer scooped US$100,000 after landing a hole-in-one during the tournament on the European Challenger Tour.

As a result he took home more than the eventual winner Iain Pyman -- despite missing the cut after completing his first two rounds in 145.

But approaching the fourth hole he was unaware of the prize attached to an ace at 178-yard.

"There were a load of banners up behind the tee but I didn't really notice them because I was concentrating on the yardage and thinking about whether to go for a big seven iron or a little six," said Salisbury.

"I went for the six-iron and it was a perfect shot. When it was up there my playing partner said it had a chance and it pitched just short, bounced a couple of times and went in the hole."

"They just told me I'd won $100,000 and it was all a bit strange.

"I don't really have any plans for the money yet -- I'll probably buy a few things for some people."

Published Thursday August 15, 2002

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