AN AMATUER golfer from Basingstoke has been selected as part of an ambitious golf documentary that offers him a chance to turn professional with a £100,000 prize pot.

The documentary named The Shot follows Joe Viner, 32, as he attempts to qualify for The British Open in July.

The Shot is being produced by Hole 19, HWPO and Mobility Pro.

As part of the documentary, a collective of golf brands including Hole19, Adidas and Callaway have pledged to give Joe £100,000 if he qualifies for The British Open and makes the cut. 

READ MORE: Basingstoke Golf Club celebrates three members' 60 years

“It is a huge opportunity for me and it would’ve been to be silly to turn it down,” said Joe, who has been working hard to improve his game and achieve his dream of becoming a professional golfer.

Joe started playing golf when he was 13, after playing football, cricket and tennis.

“I kind of fell in love with golf instantly,” he said.

After doing well in junior competitions, he went to a university in America under a golf scholarship, but the move did not play out well for him.

Although his team did well, his performance was poor.

“It was a bit weird being away from my coach and all my normal golf surroundings. So I transferred back to the UK and slowly I began to fall out of love with golf.

“Then I moved to Sydney, Australia, when I was 22. I completely gave up golf by then and didn't touch a club for seven years.

“After that, I moved back to the UK and started playing golf again during lockdown, when all we can do was go to the park or play golf. I started to enjoy it again and then this opportunity came along.”

Joe, who is self-employed, began training with the documentary team in early February.

Coached by Gareth Johnson, Joe trains at Weybrook golf course and Bishopswood Driving Range.

SEE ALSO: Sherfield school in Hook becomes national swimming champions

With his handicap currently at zero, Joe is hoping there would be a fairytale ending to this special project.

“The documentary is more about improving the sport of golf.

“I gave up golf for a long time. So, when we started I was a long way behind. For the last five months, I've packed in as much I can, by training with some of the best golfers in the world, including Scott Stallings.

“I’m using innovative training styles that golfers generally don't use. This training helped me focus on getting my body flexible enough to be good.”

Joe's first stage of qualifying takes place on Monday, June 26.

All episodes of the documentary will be available on Hole19's YouTube channel from July 18.