Sheringham's William Harrold has had his first taste of golf at Europe's top table and is hungry for more.

The 24-year-old came agonisingly close to making the cut in the Dubai Desert Classic – having won an invite to one of the most prestigious events on the European Tour calendar following his first win as a professional on the Middle East-based MENA Tour last year – and is hoping the experience will prove the perfect catalyst for a successful 2013 season.

Harrold had a birdie putt at the notoriously difficult par five 18th hole at the Emirates Golf Course, at the end of his second round, to book a place in the weekend's action on three under par, but sadly it just shaved the hole.

'I was disappointed not to have made the cut,' said Harrold. 'I was a long way from hitting it really well. I know I've got so much more.

'I have had a taste of the European Tour and it is awesome. The whole deal.

'I really wasn't that nervous. I prepared as well as I could because I'd known that I was going to be playing in the tournament since November.

'I didn't get to play with any big names but I got to practice with some guys who are on the Tour and it was a great learning experience.

'I was really close to making the cut and I don't think my game was anywhere near my best which is exciting.'

Harrold is determined to put into practice what he learned from the experience as he continues his pursuit of a full European Tour card.

Firstly, however Harrold must win his EuroPro Tour card – which is the third-tier on the professional ladder – and plans to play in 25 tournaments this year culminating in another visit to the European Tour's qualifying school.

'I'm going to start the year on the Evolve Tour in Spain and try and earn a bit of money and keep playing,' said Harrold.

'They are the events that kind of got my career going. Then I've got two MENA events in Morocco in March. I've then got to go to EuroPro Tour final qualifying in April.'

Harrold is looking to fine-tune his game over the coming weeks so that he can concentrate on his tournament play.

'I've got a lesson with Scott Cranfield where I hope to iron a few things out and then I can concentrate on doing well in tournaments rather than what might or might not be going on with my swing. It's a tough balancing act between practicising and playing. You obviously need to play to pay your way but you also need to be maintaining your game and be improving.'