2024 Platinum
At stake is the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship which as well carrying a £78,000 prize fund offers qualification for the Great Britain and Ireland PGA Cup team to face the United States in September – the club pros equivalent of the Ryder Cup.
Among the pros hoping to make an impression is North Oxford head professional Lee Jackson who is making his debut in the 72-hole final which is being staged at Dundonald Links near Troon from June 16-19.
Jackson booked his place at the recent Hadley Wood qualifier where Peter Cherry (Ashridge) and Andrew Hurley (Arkley) topped the leaderboard.
The course, which hosted a stage of European Tour qualifying school last year, has already caught the eye of Jackson and despite its reputation he is determined to enjoy the experience.
“I have seen it on the website and it looks quite daunting but I’m looking forward to it and I’m going to enjoy it come what may,” said Jackson, who is good pals with defending champion Paul Simpson (West Berks).
“I don’t mind links golf, I used to play it a lot but have not played it for quite a while. It’s a different type of golf – you’ve got to go out and keep the ball low.”
Jackson returned to North Oxford last year to rejoin the club he first played at as a junior. It’s been a busy time in the shop and with lessons but like most of his peers he still retains the desire to compete across the BBO circuit.
“The reason why we are in this game is to play a bit and when we play well we get ambitions and when we don’t play well we’re glad to go back to teaching,” he said.
One man delighted at Jackson reaching the final is dad Peter, who will be caddying for his son.
“He’s really looking forward to it, he couldn’t wait to book a week off work.”
Among other East Region pros heading north are Sean Whiffin (The Hertfordshire), Alastair Archibald (Hadley Wood), Andrew Clapp (Brickendon Grange), Darren Charlton (Dunstable Downs), Lee Fickling (Bush Hill Park) and Glyn Krause (Elton Furze).
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 hasseven 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 hasseven 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.