Olton sets sights on Gleneagles glory.
Solihull golfer John Suttons and his Olton PGA Professional Charles Haynes are one step away from following in the footsteps of Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes with an appearance in the Lombard Trophy final at Gleneagles.
Suttons teed up a chance to tread the fairways of the PGA Centenary Course, venue for the dramatic matchplay win over the United States last year, between September 1-2 when he won his club qualifying competition with a nett score of 65.
He and Haynes now advance to the regional final at Little Aston Golf Club on May 29, where they will compete against up to 70 other clubs for the chance to secure one of 16 prized spots available for the 36-hole grand final.
Ian Isaac, head of sales at Lombard, said: “After a record number of entries in 2014, this year’s Lombard Trophy promises to be another exciting competition. It’s great to once again be working with The PGA to offer the opportunity for professional and amateur golfers to play some fantastic courses.
“The competition culminates at Gleneagles, which proved itself a fantastic venue for last year’s Ryder Cup and which offers a great incentive for this year’s participants. We’d like to welcome all the golfers taking part in the 2015 Lombard Trophy and wish everyone the best of luck.”
The tournament attracts entries from upwards of 700 clubs across Great Britain and Ireland. Lombard originally sponsored the tournament from 1995 to 2006 before returning as headline sponsor in 2013.
The PGA National Pro-Am Championship has a total prize fund of £80,000, with the winning professional at the grand final taking home a cheque for £12,000.
John Suttons, is a 60-year-old company director from Solihull. He has been playing golf for 30 years and plays off a handicap of 10. Charles Haynes, 53, has been a professional at Olton for 16 years.
Last year’s winners were PGA Professional Richard O’Hanlon and amateur partner Andy Jones from St Kew Golf Club in Cornwall.
