2025 Platinum
Scott Stevens, a teaching pro at Staplehurst Golf Centre in Tonbridge, warmed up for Great Britain and Ireland’s flagship event for PGA professionals with a brilliant five-under-par 65 course record at Surrey’s historic Laleham Golf Club.
“I was delighted with the record because it was the first time I’ve ever played the course,” he said.
The 33-year-old now hopes his rich vein of form will serve him well when he tees up in the 72-hole final at Dundonald Links, near Troon, from June 16-19.
Stevens, who spent two years playing on the Challenge Tour alongside the likes of former Masters champion Trevor Immelman, booked his place in the 156-man field by topping last month’s qualifier at Prince’s alongside Tonbridge Golf Centre’s Jamie Harris, and is hoping for an upturn in fortunes in the £78,000 event.
“I think I’ve qualified twice before and each time – at Southport & Ainsdale and at Moortown last year - the weather’s been atrocious and we’ve been plagued by delays so it would be nice to get some decent weather for a change,” added Stevens.
“I’ve had a look at the Dundonald Links course but won’t be sure what it is like until I see it although it is supposed to be very tough.
“Tour school was staged there last year and only a couple of players broke par.
“I’m more comfortable on the Surrey belt courses as links golf is a different type of playing, as you need to plan your way around it.
“But I’ve been playing okay. Last year I had a sixth place finish in the South Region Order of Merit and I have come out playing quite nicely this year and finished eighth and fifth in the opening two Order of Merit events.”
Stevens is a popular figure at the Staplehurst Golf Academy particularly among the juniors who he coaches in a marathon seven-and-a-half hour session each and every Saturday.
“They know I played Challenge Tour for a couple of years and now play in regional stuff so they’re quite enthusiastic about it and no doubt will be wishing me well,” he said.
A top finish by Stevens also carries the added incentive of a call up to the Great Britain and Ireland PGA Cup team to face the United States at The Carrick on Loch Lomond in September.
Another Kent pro Darren Parris (North Foreland), who has also qualified for the Glenmuir final, was a key member of the 2005 PGA Cup side that reclaimed the Llandudno Trophy at The K Club with the 36-year-old winning all five of his matches.
Other Kent-based players making the journey across the border include Steve Purves (Leeds Castle), Kyle Kelsall (Tenterden) and Simon Wood (Hythe Imperial).
Follow the fortunes of the 156 strong field with live scoring from Dundonald Links exclusively on www.PGA.info
Dundonald Links will also host the Glenmuir Women’s PGA Professional Championship over June 18 and 19.
Notes to editors:
About the PGA
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.
About Glenmuir
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 PGAs of Europe, The PGA, 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.
About the PGA
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.
About Glenmuir
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 PGAs of Europe, The PGA, 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.