Adam aims for a Master Class

Adam Reid has been putting in the miles in his second year as a PGA professional, with no small amount of success, writes Ken Gaunt.

The Corhampton assistant marked his debut season last year by winning the PGA in Hants Masters at his home course ahead of an experienced field. Next Wednesday he will defend his PGA in Hants Masters title, again supported by Be Wiser Insurance, at Royal Winchester Golf Club, the latest stop in his hectic schedule.

Reid, 25, has been a travelling man, finishing tied third in the PGA Assistants Championship with a closing 65 and a respectable tied 16th in the English PGA Championship. He has also triumphed on the PGA in Hampshire circuit, winning a couple of Pro-Ams at Hartley Wintney and at Moors Valley where a major charity event, the Children of the Dump, was staged. Most recently in Kent he finished tied sixth with a 74 in The Lodge at Prince’s Sprint, part of The PGA in England (South)’s schedule.

Reid paid tribute to Corhampton’s PGA Head Professional Ian Roper (who is also playing in the PGA in Hants Masters) for helping him remain competitive, saying: “He has sometimes switched my days off around if I wanted to play in an event. That has been a big help and I feel as though I am making progress in competitive play. Last year went well and the trick now is to try a win a few more events.”

He added: “I am looking forward to playing Royal Winchester as it should suit my game. It’s a course where you need to be a straight hitter and find the fairway, as the rough is a challenge.”   

PGA in Hampshire captain and Royal Winchester’s PGA Head Professional Steven Hunter will be hoping to make home advantage pay but knows he faces stiff competition. Jon Barnes (Lee-on-the-Solent), Elliot Groves (Romsey), Chris Blunden (Sandford Springs) and Adam Hickling (Stoneham) are riding high in the Order of Merit and determined to make an impact over 36 holes.