Ambler aiming to light up Blackpool again

Adrian Ambler takes a trip to his favourite seaside town next week hoping history will repeat itself.

And he’s promised he’ll be wearing a golden smile when he arrives in Blackpool to defend the De Vere PGA North Region Championship at Herons’ Reach.

The 42-year-old professional from Wakefield club Lowe Laithes claimed the coveted title, beating Waterton Park’s Scott Barber at the first play-off hole, and a few weeks later won the James Brearley Lancashire Open at the resort’s North Shore.

Collectively, his successes earned him enough points to clinch the Mike Slater Order of Merit.

But returning to a place of former glory is not the only reason Ambler will be wearing a Mr Happy face.

“Last year I adopted a different mental approach to the game by not getting uptight by worrying about the bad shots. I suddenly realised golf is not life-saving stuff and I had to get out and enjoy it more,” he said.

He believes that attitude helped to win the Hatfields Jaguar Brough Classic last week and the Seaside Bridlington Pro-am a few days later.

Ambler, who also topped the Yorkshire merit in his career best year, added: “I reckon I can continue my recent form and I’ll give the championship my best shot. Even if the weather is poor I’ll still stay positive.”

He will be joined in the £13,500 two round tournament on June 19-20 by fellow past champions Paul Carman (Huddersfield), John King (Lindrick), Mark Bradley (Chorley) and Craig Corrigan (Haigh Hall).