Malcolm Elrick is heading for the gym in a bid to win blind golf’s order of merit for a third time.

The 60-year-old has also targeted retaining the European title he won last month by an amazing 16 shots.

The Skipton Golf Club member has had a memorable end to the 2013 season.

As well as winning the European crown, he also won all three of his matches as the Rest of the World’s blind golfers defeated their North America counterparts 13½-12½ at Columbus in Ohio.

“It has been a marvellous conclusion to the season for me and my partner Sandie Shaw,” said Elrick.

“She has been acting as my guide for the first time and has proved to be a great help to me.

“I had lost a whole lot of confidence in my game but she has helped me to find my best form again.

“Now I want to build on the successes in 2014 – but first I want to work out in the gym as I have put on a little bit of weight.”

Elrick has been given support by Craven Council, who have granted him free use of their gym and swimming pool facilities.

“I believe that if I am fitter it will help me with my play and I want to win the order of merit again,” he said.

“I was only 13th this year but now I want to get back to the top. My confidence has returned and I am looking forward to next year.”

Elrick, who has admitted that he is now unlikely to travel to Australia for the World Blind Championships in May, was thrilled by his recent performances in America.

He was the only player on either team to score a maximum three points as the Rest of the World and North America met for the first time.

Elrick said: “It was an incredible experience. The course was tremendous and tough to play.

“Excuse the pun, but there were a lot of blind shots and the bunkers were huge. I was lucky that I only went in two of them and on one occasion I chipped in.”

One of the unexpected problems Elrick had to contend with at Columbus was being driven around by buggy as the players were not allowed to walk the course.

He said: “Normally you get a feel for how hilly the course is or whether you have a downhill or uphill lie. It put added pressure on the guides.

“The pace of the greens was also much quicker than I am used to, so it was a good challenge and I was delighted with the way I played.

“It has all made me more determined to win a place for the return match, which will be played at Lake Como in Italy in 2015. It was such a good occasion that I want to be part of it again.”