A FATHER who was offered £1million if he managed to get a hole-in-one on a Chigwell golf course has failed to scoop the life-changing prize.

IT worker Michael Applin, of Hill Road in Theydon Bois, was given one attempt on a 150-yard hole and two goes on a 190-yard hole at the TopGolf course in Abridge Road yesterday.

Despite missing out on the jackpot, the 39-year-old did not walk away empty handed, winning free entry to the course for a year, golf clothing and clubs for his children, an iPod Touch and £50 worth of iTunes vouchers, all for being the one millionth visitor to the course.

The dad-of-two said: “It was an unbelievable opportunity to shoot for £1million. I genuinely appreciate the support and effort put in by everyone at the range.

“It has been great - and the other gifts are very much appreciated.”

TopGolf Operations Director James Jenkins said: “It is a shame Michael didn’t manage to sink the hole-in-one.

"We would have loved to hand over the big £1million cheque.

“We even bought Michael a Lottery ticket to give him another chance to win big, but it wasn’t meant to be."