2024 Platinum
Mark King admitted it was a ‘big bonus’ to finish top of the leader board at the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship Scottish Region qualifier at Scotscraig near Dundee.
King, of Linlithgow's Kingsfield Golf Centre, was concentrating on finishing among the 11 qualifiers for the final which will be played over 72-holes at The Oxfordshire, from August 10-13 and is also supported by Peugeot and MPI Financial Services.
But, in a round which contained just one bogey, King ended the day two shots ahead of his nearest rivals.
It means King will be contesting the final for the second successive year after tackling the bad weather of the Dundonald Links in 2009.
“I just wanted to make a few mistakes as possible, that was the aim,” said King.
“If I could do that, I thought I might have a chance with 11 to qualify out of 45.
“So to finish top of the leader board by two shots was a big bonus for me. I felt I played quite well.
“I bogeyed the par four fifth, but I also made four birdies on the day and that was the difference.
“But when I left the course, I thought someone might do better. But I also saw the wind was getting up and the weather was turning a bit so as it turned out, my score was good enough.”
King, a regular on the Tartan Tour, hopes The Oxfordshire serves up none of the conditions endured by last year’s Glenmuir finalists.
“It was terrible weather and, like so many others, I missed the cut,” he said.
“I’ve never played The Oxfordshire before but I am really looking forward to it.
“This is only the second time I’ve taken part in the Glenmuir, but it’s such a well organised event. I travel a lot with Gordon Law and Robert Arnott who won this qualifier last year and it’s great to be involved with it.”
Law, of West Lothian’s Uphall club, tied for second place on one under par with Campbell Elliott of Glasgow’s Haggs Castle club and Alistair Brown of Giffnock’s Whitecraigs club.
"The Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship qualifiers always mark the beginning of the tournament season for PGA pros, and we are really looking forward to another fantastic year of golf," said Glenmuir managing director Colin Mee.
“Now more than ever the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship offers professionals the chance to compete with fellow professionals, but also to meet and share views and ideas on current trading. We hope all of the competitors will enjoy this year's tournament."
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.