Essex pro set for championship final

A year of transition has not prevented Essex PGA Professional Michael Vandenberg from showcasing his playing abilities in The PGA’s flagship event.

Vandenberg, 36, moved to Essex in January to take up a new role at Rochford Hundred Golf Club where he has quickly developed a new indoor swing studio and revamped the club shop.

But despite the busy nature of his year he still managed to secure his place in the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship final after finishing tied fourth in the regional qualifier at Essendon.

The former Europro Tour player will now head to Burnham and Berrow in Somerset on June 2-5 where he will tee up for the chance to take home the lion’s share of a £91,500 prize fund.

He also has the opportunity to qualify for a place in the GB&I team for the PGA Cup, a biennial matchplay event which will see some of the British Isles’ leading PGA Professionals travel to California to take on the United States in September.

“I’ve never played Burnham & Berrow before but played quite nicely in the qualifier so hopefully that will stand me in good stead,” he explained.

“I do find a lot of time to play even with the hours I’ve been working purely because golf isn’t just my job – it’s my hobby as well.

“I make sure I get out on the course to practise at least three or four times a week no matter how busy I am at the club – it’s obviously helped here!”

Vandenberg admitted he is relishing the opportunity of stamping his mark on “traditional” Rochford Hundred.

“The members here are really getting behind us and what we are trying to do,” he enthused.

“We’ve got a state-of-the-art swing studio which is giving us better chances to coach the members and have modernised the shop.

“Even though this is quite a traditional club the support for the changes has been overwhelming.

“And I’m looking forward to getting to know all the members better and representing the club in more tournaments over the coming year.”

The other players from the east region to have qualified for the final include: Brett Taylor (Brett Taylor Golf), Keith Grant (St Ives), Lawrence Dodd (Bury Golf Range), Mark Bishop (Toot Hill), Sam Willis (North Weald) and David Bunker (Stanmore).

In addition to a £10,000 first prize, Peugeot are providing the winner with the use of a top of the range 308GT for a year.