Bruce aiming for Golfplan bonus

A PGA pro who in his younger days crossed swords with the likes of Ryder Cup captains Sam Torrance and Mark James will look to rediscover his competitive edge as he bids to help his club qualify for a national final.

Kirby Muxloe’s Bruce Whipham and captain Glenn Willis are one of 28 clubs competing in the Golfplan PGA Pro-Captain Challenge qualifier at Kedleston Park on Friday, August 15.

The duo will be aiming to reach the £25,000 grand final which takes place over 36 holes at the PGA Sultan course at Turkey’s Antalya Golf Club from November 26-27.

For Whipham, who has a busy dual role of head PGA Professional and club manager at his Leicestershire club, the chance to tee it up at Kedleston Park is one to relish not least for his captain.

“It’s always a beautiful place to play golf and I’ve got a good captain who is quite a good player and great bloke with it so I’m looking forward to it,” said Whipham who has been at the club for 17 years.

“We will have a great day, enjoy it but still try like hell to win. It’s a great format where you can relax but also be competitive.”

His captain Willis, owner of Systems Electrical, plays off nine and Whipham will be practising hard to give themselves a chance of qualifying for Turkey.

“I used to play a lot in the north and also in the days of Monday qualifying when the likes of Sam Torrance and Mark James were around.

“I don’t play so often now but will make sure I put in some practice for this.”

A keen Middlesbrough fan, Whipham once played in a pro-am with Kevin Keegan when he was at arch rivals Newcastle.

“I think we had two-and-a-thousand people watching us but he was a good golfer who played off something like six.”

Kirby Muxloe meanwhile is doing its bit to get more golfers through its gates including a new rate for 25-35 year olds which has proved successful while Challenge Tour regulars Jason Palmer and Charlie Ford are both attached to the club.

“The club is doing well, we’ve got some good players, the membership is doing well and I’m sure they will be cheering us on at Kedleston Park.”

Kedleston host pro Ian Walley could be the man having won the PGA Pro-Captain Challenge twice in the past three years. This year he is partnered by captain Christopher Nye.

Other clubs in action include Alfreton, Bramall Park, Bromsgrove Golf Academy, Lutterworth, Northampton, Rufford Park and Wetherby.

Douglas Young, managing director of Golfplan, added: “We are delighted to once again to be supporting this event.  We have close associations with The PGA and in 2014 Golfplan celebrates 30 years of working together with PGA Professionals.
 
“During this time we have been privileged to developed close relationships with PGA pros from across the UK who have given us vital support in creating our specialist golf insurance product. 
 
“The PGA Pro-Captain Challenge has proved to be a popular event in the golfing calendar and we wish all the entrants the very best of luck.”