Charlton aims for first Emerald Isle event

Darren Charlton is looking to tick off another item on his golfing ‘bucket list’ as he prepares to play in the East qualifying event of the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship.

The Dunstable Downs Golf Club professional believes the event has an added incentive with this year’s final being held in the Republic of Ireland.

Charlton - the 2015 East Order of Merit winner - will bid to reach the Emerald Isle when he tees off at the Gog Magog Golf Club’s Wandlebury course near Cambridge on May 2.

He and some of the best club pros in the east of England will be aiming to reach the £78,000 final which is being held at Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club near Dublin between June 13-16.

Charlton wants to return to the final after missing the cut in last year’s event at The Oxfordshire.

“It wasn’t the sort of course that suits my game,” he admitted.

“I ended up missing the cut by some distance so I’ll be trying to get back to the final again this year.

“When I took part in this event 12 months ago, it was only the second time I’d played that course at Gog Magog so I’d like to think I’m more familiar with it now.

“But there is a definite extra incentive to reach the final.

“I’ve never played golf in Ireland before, it’s something that’s on the bucket list as I imagine it’s a terrific venue that’ll be hosting the event.

“It’d be great to do well in qualifying and make it there.”

Charlton also has his sights set on playing in the Seniors Open and the Seniors PGA Professional Championship this year.

“I turned 50 in February so that’s the direction I’m looking to go in now,” he said.

“But I will be playing in a number of events now including those in the east region after winning the Order of Merit in 2015.”

Charlton says his club is trying a number of initiatives to try and attract more junior and female members.

But he also admits they want more players from the 30-40 years old age groups.

“It’s there way things are going, we have to try and attract new members and not make it prohibitive, it’s important for the club going forwards,” added Charlton.

Other professionals from the east of England set to play at the Gig Magog event include: Ian Ellis (Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club); Andrew Pestell (Chelmsford Golf Club); Andy Goodridge (Bury Golf Range); Ceri Menai-Davis (The Shire London); Thomas Obergan (Berkhamsted Golf Club); Sam Teer (Clacton Golf Club); Andrew George (Ely City Golf Club) and Laurence Allen (Verulam Golf Club).