Pharmacist Jonathan Roberts is preparing to tee it up alongside stars from the world of entertainment and sport after becoming the first main prize winner in the newly launched Golf Lottery.

Roberts, 44, from Sunderland, won a place in the Celebrity Series event at Formby Golf Club and Formby Ladies Golf Club Formby on Wednesday, August 24 after his numbers were called out in the first ever Golf Lottery draw.

The 15-handicapper will play alongside Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler in a star-studded field, which is held as part of the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, a Legends Tour event. He will join a whole host of stars at the event in Merseyside, sharing practice facilities with the likes of former Liverpool great Sir Kenny Dalglish, boxer Tony Bellew and TV broadcaster Dan Walker.

Roberts, who is a member at Wearside Golf Club, revealed his shock at the news of his win, and initially did not believe it to be true.

He said: “It is phenomenal. I don’t win anything. To win on the first run of it is crazy.

“It came through while I was at work and I saw it drop in and I thought ‘that might just be spam’ and then I opened it up later in the day and I was like ‘I think I’ve just won something’.

“I have been looking at the Formby website and downloaded the maps for the course. I have never played it before, but it has always been one of those courses on my bucket list as well.”

Fifty other Golf Lottery players also won a prize of £10 in the first draw, which offers players the chance to win exclusive prizes while supporting a range of national and local charities.

Roberts added: “At £1 a week it is cheaper than the National Lottery and there is probably more chance of winning a prize with the odds, particularly if you get in early.

“It is supporting grassroots golf and stuff like that. I enjoy golf and I think getting money to develop the game that way is fantastic.”

Devised by Ryan Howsam ­– majority owner of the Legends Tour and chairman of the Staysure Group – the Golf Lottery’s primary aim is to raise funds for good causes. Charity partners include the Alzheimer’s SocietyThe Golf Foundation and Golf for Good.

Simple and easy to play, once signed up for £5 per calendar month or an annual subscription with a direct debit of £52 per year, players have the chance to win some fantastic weekly prizes.

Current prizes up for grabs include a once-in-a-lifetime playing experience in the Indian Ocean with a former Major champion or Ryder Cup captain with a golfing buddy. The experience includes business-class flights and five-star accommodation. More prizes will be added throughout the year, including tickets to tournaments, signed merchandise, lessons with professionals, golf product and so much more.

Keith Mitchell, managing director of the Golf Lottery, said: “The first draw was a massive success, and it is great to see so many prize winners. The Golf Lottery is helping bring a much-needed stream of new revenue to golf-related charities while also rewarding players with some amazing prizes.

“We wish Jonathan plenty of success at Formby and encourage anyone to sign up to the Golf Lottery to be in with a chance of following in his footsteps by winning one of the incredible upcoming prizes on offer.”

A non-profit organisation, the Golf Lottery is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission in Great Britain.

For more information and to see how you can benefit from winning a number of great weekly prizes, please CLICK HERE.