Triumph for Solihull golfers.
Solihull-based Stephen Downey and his Robin Hood PGA Professional Jamie Carney 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.
Downey 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 score of 38 points.
He and Carney now advance to the regional final at Coventry Golf Club on July 22, 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.
Lombard, the UK’s largest asset finance provider which invests in local and regional business, has enjoyed a long association with the event, helping make it the biggest pro-am in Europe.
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 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.
Stephen Downey, 33, lives in Solihull. He has been playing golf for five years and plays off a handicap of 16. Jamie Carney, 23, has been a professional at the Robin Hood golf club in the town for three years.
Last year’s winners were PGA Professional Richard O’Hanlon and amateur partner Andy Jones from St Kew Golf Club in Cornwall.
