It was a thrill of a lifetime for former Hanover, Ontario resident Ron Totton to play in the Hong Kong Open along with pros like Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter even though he struggled with his game.

The one-handicap amateur golfer shot 83-90 on Dec. 1-2 and was a long way from making the cut. In an email to childhood friend Darrell Day of Whispering Hills Golf Club, Totton stated that he struggled on the greens in the first round, needing 40 putts.

Despite that, he enjoyed the experience. "I was really proud, had fun and it was very cool as you can imagine," he wrote. "Played with the same ball all day just didn't make any putts. It was amazing. I only felt nervous a few times - just focused on what I was doing, my routine and my target.

"Not bad for a kid from Hanover with a homemade swing!"

He was one of only a handful of amateurs who qualified for the event, which featured many European Tour stars.

Totton, who played his junior golf in the Hanover area, now lives in Hong Kong with his wife Emily and two daughters.