2025 Platinum
Andrew Hurley played the best round of his career to finish six strokes clear of his rivals at the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship East Region qualifier at Abridge Golf Club in Essex.
Hurley shot an eight under par 64 which included six birdies and an eagle despite playing in some of the worst conditions of the day as he had to contend with high winds.
But Hurley, of Barnet’s Arkley club, blew the rest of the field away to head the list of 15 qualifiers for the final which will be held at The Oxfordshire on August 10-13.
And Hurley, a new dad and working seven days a week at the moment, believes his policy of making practice time a case of quality rather than quantity is paying off.
“That was the best performance of my career,” said the 34-year-old.
“The wind was howling at times, it played into my hands a little because not everyone likes that or can control it in those conditions. I was probably out in the worst of it - and it got worse and worse!
“So I never thought I’d be eight under, that was phenomenal and beyond my wildest dreams.
“And my practice time is very valuable to me at the moment, so I make sure it’s quality time. It looks like it paid off! So with the form I’m in, I can’t wait for The Oxfordshire.”
Archibald, of Barnet’s Hadley Wood club, finished six strokes back on two under and admitted he had heard talk of another player making 64.
“I thought I’d played well and if my score had held on then I suppose I wouldn’t have been surprised,” he said.
“But I’d heard that someone had made 64. I didn’t know who it was though and then I found out it was Andrew so I’m pleased for him.
“I have to admit I didn’t think a 64 looked on out there, it was a tough day.
“I three-putted a couple of greens so I let a couple of shots go there, but on the whole I thought I’d done very nicely.
“I’ve only tried to qualify for the Glenmuir twice and made it to the final at Dundonald which was hell with the weather the way it was and I got annihilated. So I’m hoping for better conditions at The Oxfordshire, I’m looking forward to it.”
Hendon’s Matt Deal and Richard Webb of Tilsworth tied for third spot on one under.
Notes to editors:
The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) has been at the forefront of developing professional golf and promoting interest in the game since it was formed in 1901. Based at The Belfry, it has seven regional offices, represents 7,500 qualified professionals working in more than 60 countries worldwide and annually organises more than 900 golf tournaments and events. The PGA is also the trustee of the Ryder Cup Trophy and a partner in Ryder Cup Ltd.
Glenmuir is a brand right at the heart of golf. Preferred supplier to the European Ryder Cup team for 20 years, it also enjoys partnerships with The PGA, the PGAs of Europe, The European Tour, The Open Championship, and the English Golf Union. Glenmuir is official clothing supplier to the Golf Foundation, Ryder Cup Wales 2010, the SLGA, and the Golf Union of Wales.