An airline pilot from Horley is bound for China to represent Great Britain - at miniature golf.

Richard Skeggs will fly out to the city of Kunming at the end of the month with fellow Surrey resident Oliver Florence to play in the 2010 Asian Open.

The pair will line up alongside top players from countries including Japan, Iran, Taiwan, Nigeria, Germany, Thailand and the United States, as they battle it out in the three-day tournament.

The 28-year-olds, who became friends at school, have been playing minigolf semi-professionally for less than a year.

They have already competed in several tournaments around the UK on the tour organised by the British Minigolf Association (BMGA).

British number 28 Skeggs, who flies planes from Gatwick, said: “I thought Oliver was mad when he suggested travelling more than 5,000 miles for a game of minigolf.

“However, the lure and excitement of carrying the Union Jack during the opening ceremony, as well as competing at such a high level, were too much to turn down.”

Richard said: “It’s going to be a difficult challenge but a great experience, and hopefully I can challenge for the top places.”

Oliver said: “I’m really looking forward to getting out to China and testing myself against some of the top players in the world.”

He said: “Some people see minigolf as just something that passes the time at the seaside, but there is a small group of dedicated skilful players in this country who have taken the game to a new level, and I feel like I’m representing them all.

“I haven’t been playing long and to be going overseas carrying the hopes of my country makes me very proud.”

The duo will spend several days before the tournament practising their putting and mapping the course to give them the best chance of success.

They will also attend a press conference to face the local media and will take part in the opening and closing ceremonies.

Sean Homer, BMGA chairman, said: “Following the success of the Great Britain team at the recent European Championships in Italy, it’s a great boost to the BMGA to have two more of our members taking the plunge and playing in the Asian Open in China this year.”

He said: “Oliver and Richard are both in their rookie season on the BMGA tour and have jumped at the opportunity to represent Great Britain in the competition.

“The experience of playing internationally will not only benefit both Oliver and Richard in further developing their minigolf skills and techniques, but also helps to raise the profile of our players and the association outside of the UK, all of which is very positive and encouraging for us as an organisation.”

He added: “Above all, I am sure that they will both thoroughly enjoy the event and in the process develop some great links with the foreign players taking part.

“On behalf of myself, the BMGA and all of our members, I would like to wish them both the very best of luck and look forward to following their progress online when the tournament tees off in November.”

The Asian Open will take place at Hello! Pro Minigolf Club in Kunming City between November 5 and 7, organised by the Asia Minigolf Sport Federation in conjunction with the World Minigolf Sport Federation.

Richard and Oliver will become the 29th and 30th BMGA tour professionals to make an appearance for Great Britain at an international minigolfsport competition since 1999.

Great Britain is currently ranked 24th of 30 countries in the WMF Nations world rankings.