Matt Ford has set himself up for the biggest season of his golf career.

Ford, 35, finished third in the PGA play-offs in Turkey last week to secure entry to two big European Tour events next year.

He led the play-offs going into the final round and while there was initial disappointment at finishing one shot behind winner Greig Hutcheon, Ford has qualified for the PGA Championship at Wentworth and the Scottish Open on the links course at Royal Aberdeen.

Bearsted golfer Ford said: "I was a little disappointed after the last round but I went there for European Tour starts.

"Wentworth and Scotland were the two I wanted and that's what I got, so I'm really chuffed.

"They're two of the biggest events on the tour.

"I played one tour event this year - the French Open - but I'm guaranteed two next year and I'd also like to qualify for the British Open, so potentially it's the biggest year of my career coming up. It could be huge."