Cameron seals big win two days after turning pro

Cameron Hoggarth reached the final of the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship just two days after becoming eligible for the event.

Bewdley-based Hoggarth only turned fully professional on the Wednesday before the Friday Midlands qualifier which was held at Little Aston Golf club in Sutton Coldfield.

The 21-year-old Marriott Forest of Arden Golf Club PGA professional was a last minute entry to the field.

But he finished top of the leaderboard on a day which was affected by wet weather.

Hoggarth carded a two under par round of 70 to win by one shot ahead of Oakmere Park Golf Club’s Andrew Willey.

They and 14 other qualifiers will now return to Little Aston for the £78,000 grand final which is being held between July 24-27.

Hoggarth said he only just made it into the event.

“I only turned fully pro on the Wednesday, I spoke to the tournament official and managed to get in at the last minute,” he explained.

“So winning this event means it’s not a bad start!”

Hoggarth admitted he was fortunate to be starting his round later in the day after a rain delay.

“I was in the second last group and we got a bit lucky, the ones who’d played earlier had wind and freezing cold. I actually didn’t think I was going to get out there as play was suspended,” he explained.

“I’d packed up and was ready to go home again.

“When we were out though it got a bit warmer and it didn’t rain. I played really solidly, but I’d played Little Aston a lot when I was at University and I always do quite well around there.

“I want to give playing a go now. I had a poor start to the season, I did the Euro Pro Tour qualifier down south, but got really unlucky with the weather that time and didn’t get through. That put a dampener on my hopes there.

“I’d like to finish high up in the Order of Merit this year.

“But I’m pleased the final is at Little Aston too - I like that course!”