Butler serves up a treat at Little Aston

Mark Butler dominated the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship Midlands qualifying event at Little Aston Golf Club.

Sedgley-based Butler backed up his own prediction that he could top the leaderboard after carding a five-under-par round of 67 at the Birmingham venue.

He finished three shots ahead of his nearest challengers which included host pro Brian Rimmer.

They will join 14 other qualifiers at the £91,500 Grand Final which will be held at Burnham & Berrow Golf Club in Somerset on June 2-5.

Butler represented the Mark Butler Golf Academy which is affiliated to Penn Golf Club where he is the head professional.

It was a day of few problems for Butler who came close to making a hole in one at the fourth hole.

“It was hanging on the lip, it was almost there, but it didn’t go in and I had to be satisfied with an eagle,” said Butler.

“I’ve been working on my game during the winter with Danny Taylor at the Robert Rock Academy and my confidence was high going into this event.

“I really felt I could win it. I’m hitting the ball well.”

Butler reached the final two years ago and is already relishing this year’s showpiece.

“I like the sound of Burnham, I think that’d suit me and I’m looking forward to playing the course and staying in form,” he added.

Butler’s main focus is his work with the academy which he says encourages players of all abilities.

“It’s a nine hole course, we have members but you can also turn up and play,” he explained.

“We’re getting a lot of youngsters and women playing. We work closely with Penn and act as a ‘feeder’ for them.

“They’re only a couple of miles down the road and it’s all working really well at the moment.

“I moved into the Academy about 16 months ago and I love it, it’s very popular.”