Cook finds right recipe as Wood chips in

Edinburgh electrician Kevin Wood helped provide the spark as Prestonfield Golf Club qualified for The Lombard Trophy Final at Gleneagles.

Wood, left, and head PGA Professional Gavin Cook carded a seven under par round of 64 in a tight finish which saw them pip three other teams by a shot at the Ladybank regional final.

Narrowly missing out were Newmacher’s Andrew Cooper and Mark Wilkinson, Penrith Golf Centre’s Andrew Sowerby and Dan Kirkbride and Uphall’s Gordon Law and Alan Ferrie.

Prestonfield will now go up against 15 other clubs from across the UK in the £43,600 grand final which will be staged at Gleneagles on September 3-4.

It will be Cook’s second final in the space of four years having also qualified in 2009 when he finished fourth overall.

And Wood, aged 30, admitted that Cook’s experience kept him on course for victory.

The eight handicapper said: “It was good to be playing with Gavin – he’s been there before and knew what he was doing so he managed to keep me on the straight and narrow and stopped me doing anything stupid!

“I wasn’t sure what to expect from the event, but it’s great to win and be heading for the Ryder Cup venue.

“I’ve only been playing golf again for about four years as I took a break after starting out as a junior.

“My back’s been a bit ropey of late but that was never going to stop me playing in this event.”

Cook admitted he was surprised to win at Ladybank.

“We were six under par at the turn and didn’t think 64 would be enough because last time when I qualified it was on 10 under par.”

Cook will be on familiar territory when he arrives at Gleneagles having competed in the Scottish PGA Championship and is targeting a top three place.

“I was fourth when I played in the final four years ago - and I want to improve if I can,” he added.

“I’ve played Gleneagles a few times but I’ll be looking forward to seeing what changes they’ve made for the Ryder Cup.”