Crossland seals final spot in club’s centenary year

Kevin Crossland marked his club’s centenary year by qualifying for the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship Final.

Crossland - of Nottinghamshire’s Worksop Golf Club - won the Midlands qualifying event at Little Aston Golf Club in Birmingham.

The 34-year-old carded a two-under-par round of 70 despite difficult, windy conditions.

Crossland won the event by one shot, beating Matthew Cort (Rothley Park Golf Club) and Craig Swinburn (Brierley Forest Golf Club) into second place.

They will join 13 other qualifiers at the £78,700 Peugeot-supported event at Blairgowrie in Scotland on August 5-8.

Crossland has played in two tournaments so far this year and won them both, and he admitted that the victories could hardly be better timed.

“We’re having our centenary celebrations at Worksop this year, which has been keeping me busy so I’m surprised at the form I’ve been showing,” he said.

“But I suppose getting out on the course means I’ve been able to switch off and enjoy myself.

“And when you’re enjoying yourself, you play well don’t you?

“But it’s come at a good time with it being a big year for the club as well. We’re holding a series of events and tournaments to mark our 100 years.

“Last week we had members using hickory clubs and dressed in clothing from 1914. It’s been good and we’ll be doing things like that right through to October.”

Crossland has made two final appearances, missing the cut at The Oxfordshire but finishing in the top 30 when the event was held at The Belfry three years ago.

“I seem to be improving every time I play in the final,” he explained.

“If I could do the same this year then I’d like to aim for a place in the PGA Cup squad if I can.”

But Crossland admitted the day did not go well for him.

“I dropped shots at the second and third holes and I thought it was going to be a long day,” he said.

“But I had a word with myself and realised the conditions were same for everyone, then I made four birdies.”

The host club PGA Professional Brian Rimmer was joint fourth after making a level par round of 72.