Burton chases long-lost dream

An administrator from Slough is looking to fulfil a “long-lost dream” by claiming a place in the final of Europe’s biggest pro-am at Gleneagles.

64-year-old Ian Burton had booked a trip to play the famous Perthshire venue with three friends, but when one of the quartet fell ill they had to cancel their visit and never got the chance to return.

Now Burton will play alongside his PGA Professional John Kennedy in the regional final of the Lombard Trophy at Lambourne on July 21 for the chance to finally make the journey north of the border.

The winners of the regional heat will take their place alongside 15 other clubs in the £43,600 grand final over the King’s Course, just days before the Ryder Cup visits the same venue.

And Burton, who has been a member of Buckinghamshire club Wexham Park for more than 35 years, is confident he and 2011 PGA Cup player Kennedy have every chance of progressing.

“I’m really looking forward to playing at Lambourne,” he said. “But I have to admit I think John is looking forward to it even more!

“I’ve known him for a while now and he is an overall nice chap, a really good coach and, although I haven’t seen him play in person that much, I know he has played in a lot of big events.

“I’m sure we can do well and hopefully challenge for a place at Gleneagles, it would mean a lot to me after I was unable to go a few years ago.

“It’s always been a dream for me to play up there - hopefully we can make it happen.”

13-handicapper Burton has been finding extra time to practise recently on the back of medical advice, a move which he admitted helped him secure victory in his club qualifying competition.

“My doctor told me that I should try to get out and do a bit more exercise, so I’ve been using that as a good excuse to play an extra round of golf every week!” he explained.

“I now play twice a weekend and I can notice the difference in my game.

“I’ve also had a few lessons with John, he’s a very good coach and has helped me to improve my game a lot.”

“It must have made a difference because I have managed to qualify to play in this event!”

Other pairings competing in the Lambourne regional final include: Lee Fickling and Ray Ripsher (a) (Bush Hill Park), Ian Taylor and Malcolm Stewart (a) (Essendon), David Cook and Steve Doyle (a) (Oxford), and Liam Clarke and Paul Manley (a) (Windwhistle)