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15 May, 2008

Ringway Pair Set For Take-Off

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David Brunton has experienced joy and heartbreak in the PGA National Pro-Am Championship.

The former European Tour player was ecstatic when he won the final a decade ago only to suffer the agony of narrowly failing to repeat the achievement the following season.

But fast forward to today and 38-year-old Brunton, a teaching professional at Ringway Golf Club in Cheshire, reckons he's a good bet to get another crack at Europe's biggest pro-am, which has a £30,000 prize-fund, in the regional final at Dunham Forest on Friday, May 23.

He certainly has a huge advantage over the rest of the 48-strong field because it's his favourite course. And that's hardly surprising - last autumn he won a PGA North Region pro-am with a stunning 10-under-par 60.

"It could have been a 59 but I dropped a shot on the 17th after pitching into a bunker," he recalled.

"Unfortunately it wasn't a record because we were on forward tees.

"I practise there as often as I can because it's a great all-year-round course.
"I really fancy our chances and even though I've not had many opportunities to compete so far this year I've kept my game in shape."

Brunton will pair up with 47-year-old electrical contractor Paul Keefe, a six handicapper, who qualified with a 65, in their quest to reach the grand final at the PGA Sultan course at Antalya Golf Club in Turkey.

Meanwhile, Mike Hollingworth would be delighted to add the title to the PGA Pro-Captain Challenge he won in 1998 and again three years ago.

"To get that one under my belt as well would be some achievement," said the Denton professional, who is one of the longest hitters in the region.

He will arrive at Dunham Forest with his confidence boosted by clinching the Manchester Golfer of the Year award for a fifth time after successfully defending it earlier this month.

Hollingworth, 36, will partner one of his pupils, semi-retired kitchen fitter Barry Carroll.

"He won the club qualifier with a 65 off his 20 handicap so we could make a formidable team," he added.

Also in the field is former PGA captain John Barnett, from Royal St David's, and fellow senior players David Vaughan, long-time pro at Vale of Llangollen, and Bramhall's Richard Green.

The winning pair will compete against 15 other regional finalists during the five-day five-star trip to the Sirene Beach & Hotel Resort on Turkey's Mediterranean Coast from November 30 to December 4.

The tournament, which attracts more than 100,000 entries, is in its 24th staging and has been held in Portugal, Spain, Grand Bahamas and Sardinia prior to Turkey last year.