Defending champion Guy Woodman has eased through to the final of the Crown Golf English PGA Assistants' Championship.
The 32-year-old East Berkshire assistant, fresh from two days competing with Europe's elite at the BMW PGA Championship, carded a level par 72 at Batchworth Park - scene of his victory last year - to be one of six qualifiers for September's final.
Woodman, who recovered from a two-over-par 38 front nine, shared second place alongside Johannes Lombard (Birchwood Park), who also qualified last year, and Kieran James (Bush Hill Park).
The winner of the first of five qualifiers, each of which carry £2,000 prize funds, was Welwyn Garden City's James Ruebotham, who shot a one-under-par 71 that included an eagle, three birdies and four bogeys.
Joining them in the final at Hampton Court Palace Golf Club on September 28, which has a £10,000 prize fund, are Daniel Lacy (Nazeing) and Nick Drane (Whittlebury Park).
27 May, 2009