Dorset pair aim to take off at Bowood

Former British Airways training captain Terry Harporb is hoping to fly high with Martin Thompson (pictured) at the Golfplan Insurance PGA-Pro Captain Challenge qualifier next week.

The Parkstone Golf Club captain is teaming up with experienced PGA Professional Thompson for the 18-hole shootout at Bowood Golf & Country Club in Wiltshire on Tuesday, August 23.

They, along with a host of teams from the West of England, will be aiming to win a place in the £25,000 final at Spanish destination Lumine Mediterranea Beach & Golf Community.

The resort, which features two Greg Norman designs, will stage Sompo Canopius supported event over 36 holes from Wednesday, November 30 - Thursday, December 1.

And retired Poole-based 64-year-old Harporb, who plays off a handicap of 11, says that Thompson is not only an experienced player but an ideal coach as well.

“I’ve been taking lessons with Martyn to prepare for this and I have to say I like the way he teaches the game,” he said.

“Working as a training captain I’m used to giving out guidance but I’m happy to take it as well when it comes to my game and Martyn is very good at getting his message across.

“My game has benefited and we’ve played a few events together this year and done well. We’re looking forward to playing at Bowood.

“I’ve been playing at Parkstone for 17 years now and it's a great club to be part of.”

Thompson is one of the region’s leading players and has been at Parkstone since 2001 but, despite reaching several other PGA national finals, has yet to the reach the final of this event.

“It’s certainly on my list, I’d like to get through if I can and I hope I stand a good chance this year with Terry,” said Thompson.

“He’s a big hitter so I’d like to think we can be up there among the contenders.”

Among the clubs from the West and Wales also taking part in the Bowood qualifier are: Daryl Kelley and Tim Parsons (Filton); James Lee and Robert Addicott (Caerphilly); James Pickard and Julian Phillips  (Honiton) Christian Askins and Owen Golding (Radyr); and Jason Fullard and Malcolm Swift (Torquay).