Buglass gunning for Portugal place

Royal Marine commando Robert Buglass is relishing the chance to play in his second Lombard Trophy regional final in the last two years.

Buglass, 44, once again saw off competition from his fellow club members at Southsea to secure a place in the regional event at Walton Heath on June 21 alongside PGA Professional Simon Andrews.

Qualifying to compete at this event twice is a rare feat, and one that will be all the more rewarding given it takes him one step from a dream final in Portugal.

Should they win at Walton Heath the pair will secure one of 14 places in the £41,500 grand final.

The Lombard sponsored tournament, supported by Coca-Cola, is being held at beautiful Pestana Golf Resort in Vila Sol in September.

And Buglass is in high spirits ahead of the regional event.

“I was lucky to play last year and to qualify again is tremendous,” he enthused.

“It’s especially nice as I know what a good course Walton Heath is – I heard it held US Open qualifying not so long ago.

“I’m hoping that with the experience of last time we’ll be up there and in with a chance, we shot three-under last year.

“To be honest last year was just a really good experience. Simon was excellent. He’s a very talented coach but he wasn’t trying to take over as we went round – he just let me get on with it.”

Buglass admitted his bosses are supportive in allowing him the opportunity to compete on the golf course.

“I’m not a junior member of the Marines, I’ve been there a long time,” the 11 handicapper reflected. “They trust me to manage my time.

“Besides the Royal Marines Golf Association is really well supported. They’re very competitive and regularly have to turn down fixtures as so many want to play them.

“For that reason they’re really supportive of me when I want to play in events like this.”

Other players competing at Walton Heath include: Graham Cowley and David Robson (a) (Army), James Warrington and David Morgan (a) (Cherry Lodge), Andrew Simmonds and Neil Williamson (a) (Farnham Park), Mark Foreman and Marco Boffa (a) (Mid Kent) and Chris Evans and Peter Hawker (a) (Tandridge).