Disney aiming to land the honours at Gleneagles

Bulwell Forest Golf Club’s Mick Disney believes the amateur competitors taking part in the Lombard Trophy Final at Gleneagles are already winners.

Now he says he will be focused on helping PGA Professional Andrew Willey to win the event.

The Nottingham duo are playing at the £43,600 showpiece final which is being played over the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles between September 1-2.

They made it to the final by winning their qualifying event on countback at Birmingham’s Little Aston Golf Club in May.

Now they will hope to emulate that form at the famous Ryder Cup venue.

But Disney, left, insists it is important not to forget this is a team event.

“In some ways all the amateur players are winners because this is such a tremendous prize for us,” he said.

“Just to come to Gleneagles and play in a tournament like this is a fantastic thing.

“But from here on in, it’s all about the professional. They’re going there to win and I’ll be trying to help as much as I can.”

Disney, aged 42, works as a joiner for Nottingham Community Housing Association and has played at Bulwell Forest since he was 13.

And he will form part of an experienced pairing at Gleneagles.

Basford-based Disney plays off a handicap of +1 while Willey is a former European Tour player who only came to Bulwell Forest a little over a year ago.

Disney also has honours to his name from north of the border as he won the UK Municipal Open Championship at St Andrews 13 years ago.

Willey has a strong record in the competition - despite playing in only two qualifying events.

Last year he missed out on countback but edged through this time.

“It’ll be good to represent Bulwell Forest at Gleneagles,” said Willey.

“The club’s on my doorstep and the membership are great.

“I’d like to think myself and Mick will bring some experience to the final, but you can never tell what’s going to happen.

“But with Mick being a plus handicapper, we’re going to need to be on our best form.

“Mick’s done well and we hope we can carry that on to Gleneagles.”