Channels duo capture PGA Pro-Captain title

Jason Levermore completed the first leg of a potential Turkey treble after lifting the Golfplan Insurance PGA Pro Captain Challenge trophy with Channels Golf Club captain Neil Hutchinson.

Levermore (above right), who will compete in the Titleist PGA Play-Offs and the PGAs of Europe International Team Championship over the next two weeks, and Hutchinson (above left) sizzled in the Mediterranean sunshine at Antalya Golf Club.

Having established a three-shot overnight lead in the Canopius supported event, the Essex pair were irresistible and they scorched the greens and fairways of the PGA Sultan Course with an impressive display of golf carding a seven-under-par 64.

It eased them to 12-under for the tournament and five-shot winning margin over Ashburnham’s duo of Martin Stimson (pro) and Martin Hale, who did their utmost to pile on the pressure with a closing round of five-under 66 to move to seven-under.

But there was never any doubt the title would be going to Essex, with Levermore capturing his third national title having been a two-time winner of the PGA Fourball Championship.

Levermore, who picked up a cheque for £5,000, said: “We just played nice and steady early and I know I had six birdies in the first 15 holes. Hutch had a nice net birdie at 16, a birdie at 17 and then we dropped our only shot of the round on the last.

“This is massive for the club as they don’t play many of these events. This is the first year we’ve played the pro-captain and all the members have been behind us with lots of messages of support.

“Hutch has played really well. He’s been steady throughout and you can guarantee he’s going to get some birdies here and there. We work nicely together.”

Hutchinson, whose reign of captain is coming to a close, said: “I feel incredibly privileged as this has been fantastic. I can actually say I’m a PGA winner and that’s a bit special.

“For the club it makes a statement for the club and puts us on the map a little. What a perfect way to finish off your year as captain. It’s superb.”

He continued: “Jason was incredibly good today and it’s just been a pleasure to be here. The sponsors have done a fantastic job, the PGA have organised it well and the course is superb.”

Levermore now has 24 hours to recharge his batteries ahead of teeing off in the Titleist PGA Play-Offs, again over the PGA Sultan Course, before the ITC event at Gloria Golf Resort next month.