A PILOT has sky high hopes when he takes on the world in the 2010 Asian Minigolf Open next month.

Richard Skeggs, 28, from Horley, is to travel more than 5,000 miles to Kunming in China, to go toe to toe with nations including Japan, Iran and the United States.

SWAPPING PLANE FOR PUTTER: Richard Skeggs will be representing Great Britain
Putt stars: Oliver Florence and Richard Skeggs are off to China

It is a meteoric rise for the British number 28, who began with borrowed clubs at the British minigolf competition at the end of January this year and hasn't looked back since.

Mr Skeggs, together with friend Oliver Florence, 28, from Walton-on-Thames, will be the 29th and 30th players to represent Great Britain in the competition – and the first Brits on the international circuit since 1999.

"I'm absolutely looking forward to it. It will be brilliant" said Mr Skeggs.

"Oliver said in January 'let's do something different this year' and it was crazy golf. I don't take it too seriously, it's a good laugh."

The pair were selected to play after simply spotting the competition advertised online and signing up.

Mr Skeggs said: "The lure and excitement of carrying the Union Jack during the opening ceremony, as well as competing at such a high level, were too much to turn down.

"It's going to be a difficult challenge but a great experience and hopefully I can challenge for the top places."

The tournament takes place at the Hello! Pro Minigolf Club from November 5-7, with the Surrey pair arriving in advance to get into the swing of the course.

On completing the tournament, both players will receive a world ranking in minigolf.

Mr Florence said: "It's going to be amazing. I don't know what to expect. Going to China in itself is a wonderful opportunity.

"It's not something I ever thought I'd do, representing my country.

"When I was young I had dreams of representing my country at football or cricket."

Sean Homer, chairman of the British Minigolf Association, said: "Oliver and Richard are both in their rookie season on the BMGA tour and have jumped at the opportunity to represent Great Britain in the competition.

"On behalf of myself, the BGMA and all of our members I would like to wish them the very best of luck and look forward to following their progress online when the tournament tees off."

Great Britain is currently ranked 24 out of 30 in the World Minigolf Federation's Nation World Rankings.