BLIND golfer Duncan Bickerton will be aiming to maintain his England selection hopes when he competes in the National Stroke Play Championship at Wharton Park in Kidderminster this weekend.

The 64-year-old from Locking Stumps slipped from fourth to seventh place in the English Blind Golf Association Order of Merit when he was unable to take part in the Chairman's Cup at Kilworth Springs in Leicester a fortnight ago.

An overall top 12 finish at the end of the campaign should gain him a place in the national side for a programme of internationals starting in August.

Bickerton, who went blind two years ago after haemorrhaging behind both eyes, said: "I reckon if I can stay in the top five in each of the remaining competitions I enter then I'll be on track for the England team."

He won the Northern Cup at Horsforth Golf Club in Leeds last month and followed up with a quarter finals finish in the Primary Club English Match Play Championship at Guadet Luce Golf Club in Droitwich.