Boyd aims for victory on the green, green grass of home

Adopted Yorkshireman Alan Boyd is hoping for victory on home turf when Rudding Park Golf Club hosts the Golfplan Insurance PGA Pro-Captain Challenge north west qualifier.

Boyd, who was born in Canada, will team up with PGA Professional Craig Jones for the event at the Harrogate venue on August 30. 

The pair will be in a 62-strong field aiming to win a place in the final in Spain.

The climax to the popular tournament carries a £25,000 prize fund and will be contested over one of the two Greg Norman designed-courses at Lumine Mediterranea Beach & Golf Community at the end of November.

Knaresborough-based Boyd came to England 16 years ago as part of his work as an IT consultant and has been a member at Rudding Park since 2008.

And the 54-year-old has no doubt the course will once again provide a fitting venue for the qualifying event.

“It’s a good length at around 6,900 yards and the greens are in excellent condition,” he said.

“We got the Sports Turf Research Institute to work on the greens and, while they always were good, they are top quality now.

“There’s also enough trees and water to keep you on your toes!" 

Boyd, who plays off 15, says the pair, playing under the banner of Rudding Park Golf Academy, have combined well this year.

“We’ve had some good results together,” he added. “My handicap is better than it was, but it’s the first time I’ve played a PGA event like this so who knows how we’ll get on.”

The academy at Rudding Park provides comprehensive teaching facilities and Boyd explained: “We try to cover every eventuality, it’s not just a driving range.

“There’s video instruction, a six-hole course, a bunker and you can work on your short game, too.”

Jones confirms the academy is proving popular and added: “It’s really busy and we’re getting a lot of families down here. It’s a great way to be introduced to golf.”

Among the teams from the north east also taking part in the Rudding Park qualifier are: Darren Pearce and Nigel Fletcher (Barnard Castle); James Cousins and Douglas McMann (Darlington); Alexandra Keighley and Parnell Reilly (Huddersfield); Aran Wainwright and Steve Moss (Mid Yorkshire); Philip Darlison and Philip Redpath (Roundhay);  Gary Vickers  and Newton Wood (Tyneside); Andrew Hall and Peter Tuff (Bradford).