2024 Platinum
Craig Goodfellow from Carlisle Driving Range is among the 156-strong field competing at the £78,000 event from June 16-19 along with close friend Michael Nesbit (Westerhope, Newcastle) who witnessed his mishap when he stumbled down three steps while out with friends in December.
But despite an enforced two-month break from the game, Goodfellow could be among the leading contenders having excelled at Dundonald Links during the European Tour qualifying school prior to his accident.
“I played tour school there last year and finished second,” said Goodfellow.
“The weather was shocking and course was extremely tough – I think only three got under par. It could be a real test. The secret is that you have to be as patient as you can be. If the wind blows no one’s going to be making many birdies. It’s about being straight more than anything else.”
Goodfellow represented Great Britain and Ireland in the 2007 PGA Cup along with Nesbit and he has set his sights on making the team to face the United States in September.
“I’m really looking forward to the Glenmuir and my main goal is to qualify for PGA Cup team. I know how good it is and what a great experience it is. Until you’ve done it you’re not aware how good it is,” he added.
Goodfellow insists that the spell away from the game through injury might actually work in his favour.
“Practicing a lot doesn’t always do me a lot of good, I can go a bit stale so the injury over the winter wasn’t too much of a problem,” he added.
Nesbit has already been up to Dundonald Links to have a practice round and is warming to the task having struggled with his game last year.
“It’s a tough course but I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “It’s a ball strikers course – they will do well.
“I’ve worked hard over the winter with my coach John Harrison and I want to win the Glenmuir. If I do that the PGA Cup will take care of itself.”
Other pros aiming for success from the region include Robert Booth (Halifax), John King (Lindrick), 2001 champion Simon Edwards (Windermere), Graeme Lisle (Carlisle), Gary Brown (Ganton), Gordon Cattrell (Middlesbrough) and Martin Forster (Tyndale).
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.