Early entry boost for Lombard Trophy

Chris Gill, a finalist in last year’s Lombard Trophy, has wasted no time in plotting a  repeat trip to Portugal by becoming the first to enter this year’s tournament.

Gill, the head PGA Professional at Newquay Golf Club, Cornwall, is one of more than 100 to have already signed up for Europe's largest pro-am which carries a £41,450 prize fund.

More than 1,000 golfers are expected to take part in the competition which culminates with a grand final at the five-star Pestana Vila Sol Golf & Resort Hotel, Vilamoura.

Fourteen regional qualifiers will determine the pairs who will earn the expenses paid trip in September and the chance to win the £12,000 first prize.

Newquay head professional, Chris Gill, has entered the competition for the past five years, and after progressing to the grand final last September, the 38-year-old is hoping to go one better this summer.

“Entering the Lombard Trophy is always a highlight of my year,” said Gill, who will represent Newquay alongside his amateur partner at the regional qualifier at Burnham & Berrow on August 2.

“I have been entering the Lombard Trophy since I was appointed head professional at Newquay back in April 2013.

“To go away and give one of the members a time to remember is great not just for them but for me it too because it feels a little bit like the old playing days.

“Last year was the first time I had reached the grand final and the experience was awesome. It was first class treatment from start to finish.

“It was also great to share that experience with Clive Bicknell who was my playing partner as we are good friends away from the course too.

“It would be great to qualify for Portugal again this year and to be in with a chance with a few holes to go would be amazing.

“I would encourage every head professional to enter the Lombard Trophy. The regional qualifiers are played at great venues with first class treatment from the sponsors. Lombard do an awesome job but so does everyone else who is involved in the whole event.”

Around 700 clubs entered the Lombard Trophy in 2017, with Hart Common duo Steve Parry and his amateur partner Andy Picton prevailing in a dramatic play-off to claim victory.

The first regional final takes place in the Midlands at Little Aston on June 5 with Burnham & Berrow wrapping up the qualifiers on August 2. 

Lombard, a leading asset finance company providing leasing and hire purchase products for over 150 years, is continuing their support of the Lombard Trophy. Lombard lend money to businesses to help them buy the assetsthey need to grow - whether that’s technology, manufacturing or agricultural equipment, vehicles or renewable energy. Businesses get the equipment they need whilst spreading the cost over an agreed period without tying up their capital.

For more information visit about Lombard click here.