FORMER Worcester City striker Wes Joyce was left in “shock” after securing a coveted spot at footgolf’s version of the Ryder Cup.

The 35-year-old from Rainbow Hill will jet off to the USA in January to compete in the first Jansen Cup at the Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, California.

Twenty-four players from the UK take on USA in four-ball, foursomes and singles.

Joyce said it felt like “all my Christmases came at once” when he qualified after winning the South West Region order of merit.

“I’m in shock. It is amazing and hasn’t really sunk in yet,” he said.

“I will be representing my country, which is something I never thought I would do.

“I have been told a few times I should have in football if I had put my mind to it but I never did, so this is a second chance.”

After being in Birmingham City’s youth set-up, Joyce joined Worcester City as a teenager before playing for various non-league clubs, including Evesham United.

In May 2014, Joyce helped save the life of Sally-Anne Grainger when he donated his kidney after responding to her desperate plea.

During his recovery from the operation, the father-of-four came across footgolf when he read about the sport in a newspaper.

“I needed a sport that was non-contact and this was the perfect mixture because I have played football all my life and played to a four handicap in golf,” said Joyce, who also plays Sunday league football in Worcester.

“I didn’t take it too seriously last season as I just played a few events.

“But this season I have given it my full attention and had the backing of Ravenmeadow Golf Club as they have let me use their footgolf course for practice and training.”

Having done so well this season, Joyce, who has got down to 22-under over 18 holes, aims to play overseas in 2017 in the sport where players kick a football around a course in the fewest shots possible.

“If I did not get the support of my family and friends, I would not be able to do it,” he said.

“It is cheap to play but requires a lot of travelling.

“A while ago, I was in north Wales on the Saturday and then Torquay on the Sunday. But if you want to get to the top, you have to commit to it.

“I have not been abroad to play yet, so next year I am looking to go on the European Tour, which a lot of my fellow players are in at the moment.”