Production editor Tim Beard’s golf may have been going “downhill” for a while - but it finally hit rock bottom in the company of a true downhill champion.

Austrian Olympic ski gold medallist Leonhard Stock was in Tim’s fourball when the six-handicapper had one of the worst golfing days of his life.

But Tim, from the Leicester Mercury Media Unit, still came up smelling of edelweiss.

The pair were among scores of Austrian and British sports personalities, tour operators and journalists taking part in the eighth annual Franz Klammer Wooden Spoon event, hosted by the Austrian National Tourist Board, at Sandy Lodge Golf Club, north London.

After a day spent watching his ball disappear into a variety of bunkers and bushes - anywhere except a hole containing a flag, really – Tim scored a disastrous 18 Stableford points.

It earned him the dubious honour of being the lowest handicap and highest score in the eight-year history of the event to receive the “coveted” wooden spoon, which was presented by Franz Klammer himself.

Tim, whose department produces supplements for the Mercury’s titles, said afterwards: “I have never had so much fun while playing golf so badly.

“If I hadn’t picked up my ball and thrown it out of the bunker on the 16, I’d probably still be there now!”

To help dull the pain, Tim also received a Golf Alpin card, entitling him to five free rounds of golf in Austria.

All he needs now is a rich sponsor to cover the cost of his golf balls.

Tim (left) calls the shots