2024 Platinum
Finishing fourth match from the end Whalley's seven-under 65 (he also had two bogeys) won the PGA South Region qualifier for the Glenmuir Club Professional Championship, and now, with 21 other qualifiers, heads for the 72-hole final at Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire from 14 - 17 June.
"This is my first dedicated year competing," said Bruce. "An aunt of mine has very generously sponsored my entry fees for this season (around £2,000); I've played one pro-am which earned me £400, there's £250 for today, and a chance to go for the £10,000 in the Glenmuir final. That would be nice as I've just bought a house in Crawley."
Whalley's eagle was symptomatic of the standard he was showing throughout his round. A 2-iron second shot from the rough at the long ninth sailed 225 yards to within 15 feet of the flag, and his putter was needed only once.
Gavin Lingard from Chelsfield Lakes, Orpington, is in the middle of what he happily calls a ‘spooky spell' of golf. His six-under 66 was his fourth straight round of superlative play.
"I've had unbelievable rounds recently in Kent PGA events (at Hever, King's Hill and Faversham), winning them all, and setting a course record of 62 at King's Hill, which is four better than the previous best. I wish I knew what was causing it."
He gives a lot of credit to his coach, Bill Hodkin from Poultwood at Tonbridge, and if his season continues the way it's begun then Lingard will make a bid for a coveted European Tour card.
North Foreland pro' Darren Parris comfortably reached the final. His outward half of 32, five under par, unbeaten by any of the 114 competitors, was the highlight of his round of 67.
Darren, who's been head pro' at the Broadstairs club for four years, dropped his only shot at the tough 211-yard 11th, but redeemed himself at the par-four 17th where he holed a 35-footer for his sixth birdie of the day.
Former PGA Cup player, Paul Simpson, was one of four on 69.