Ipswich golfer Hugo Dobson is hoping his hard work in the winter pays off as he targets a top-five finish on the Europro Tour and a move up to the Challenge Tour.

Dobson, 25, returned two excellent rounds of 66 as he won the PGA Europro IFX Masters at Frilford Heath on Friday. His prize was £10,000.

And he admits a heart-to-heart with his dad Tony, who is the professional at Stonham Barns, in the winter, helped him set his goals for the season ahead – a season that has started well.

“I really struggled at the end of last year and I sat down with my dad (Tony) and we chatted about my objectives, looking at my swing and my putting,” Dobson said.

“I worked really hard in the winter and I believe that extra work gave me the mental edge to see out victory at Frilford.

“It’s tough being on Tour. I know people think it is glamorous, but it is tough financially and you spend hours in airports and hotels.

“Winning at Frilford though has taken the pressure off. I can now relax a bit more and concentrate on my game rather than chasing pay cheques.”

Dobson, who played most of his golf in Suffolk at Woodbridge and Fynn Valley and still plays out of Woodbridge, now lives in Kent with his wife.

His top-five dream in this year’s Europro is now very much alive. There are 14 events in total, three have gone and he currently lies in second place. The Challenge Tour is one step away from the PGA European Tour.

“Getting on the Challenge Tour was my main goal at the start of the season, 100%,” he said.

“I played pretty well in Prague a few weeks ago and was in the top three for a stage at the Europro event in Ireland last week, before dropping to 17th.

“But I knew I was playing well ahead of Frilford Heath. I just need one more good result, another win on the Europro and my Challenge card is virtually there.”

Dobson knows that won’t be easy and life as a golf professional is a tough one for most on Tour. There are so many good golfers out there that to finish top of the pile in any competition is a major feat.

However, that is a feat Dobson has achieved now, just five years after turning pro - knowing it was by far the biggest win of his professional career.

The next Europro event is the Eagle Orchid Scottish Masters, which is to be held at Montrose, starting on June 13.