Fit-again Lloyd is aiming to make up for lost time

CHRIS Lloyd is back on the golf course this week after recovering from a recurrence of a wrist injury he sustained at the end of last season.

He was lining up today in the St Omer Open in France, a lucrative event that is co-sanctioned with the European Tour. The prize money of 500,000 euros is among the best on offer all year.

The 20-year-old Kendleshire player was forced to withdraw from the Challenge Tour event in Belgium three weeks ago after an opening round of 76.

"There was no point carrying on," he said. "It would have just caused further damage with the prospect of an even longer lay-off."

Lloyd's right wrist tendon troubles date back to the tour's grand final in Italy in November. It flared up again in February and he felt it again in March, when it was taped up and covered in an ice-pack every day.

He returned to Bristol from Brussels and a scan provided no further cause for alarm, although a couple of weeks, rest was prescribed.

He missed the tournament in Tenerife two weeks ago and, as playing in Austria last week was never on his schedule, he has been able to enjoy a longer rest period.

"It feels much better. I hope to stay fit as there is a nice run of events coming up now," he said.

He has eased his way back with putting and other gentle practice at The Kendleshire and Bristol and Clifton, where he is coached by Paul Mitchell.

Lloyd has played five tournaments this year but has slipped from fifth to tenth in the order of merit during his inactivity.