Exciting season ahead as schedule unveiled

The PGA in England (East) has an exciting 2016 schedule that contains five Order of Merit tournaments, three two-day Classics and more than 30 pro-ams.

The region continues its long relationship with Weston Homes plc who will once again sponsor the Order of Merit series - won last year by Dunstable Downs' Darren Charlton (pictured).

The first of their three tournaments will be at Aldwickbury Park, which is hosting an Order of Merit event for the very first time. Another course staging its initial Order of Merit competition is West Essex on June 15-16.

Order of Merit tournaments will also once more take place at Essendon Country Club (June 22-23), East Herts (August 8-9) and The Rayleigh Club (Sep 21-22). The East Herts event will be played under a new format in 2016 with a pro-am scheduled alongside the individual professionals’ tournament.

For those players not already exempt for the Order of Merit competitions, the season gets underway with two qualifying schools. The first of these is at The Essex Golf and Country Club on March 21-22 and the other is set for Essendon CC on April 11-12.

The first of the three pro-am Classics will be at Kings Lynn and Hunstanton on April 6-7 April. For the first time, the better-ball round will be scheduled at the superb links at Hunstanton.

The pro-am schedule is looking stronger in 2016 with the additions of Muswell Hill, Bourne, Canons Brook, Millbrook and Three Rivers. The popular John O’Gaunt pro-am is also back on for 2016.

Gordon Campbell, regional secretary for the PGA in England (East), said: “I am more than happy with the way the schedule is shaping up for this season. We still have one or two events to confirm and there are a couple of other opportunities for potential sponsors, but all in all we look like we once again have a strong programme of events for our professionals.

“I must also express our sincere thanks to all those sponsors who have confirmed for 2016 – especially Weston Homes and the Marston’s Beer Company. We are very grateful to Weston Homes supporting three Order of Merit tournaments and the Marston’s Beer Company are once more offering extensive sponsorship, including at our Summer and Autumn Classics and the Trainees’ Championship.

“Lastly, I would like to welcome Aldwickbury Park and West Essex as first-time Order of Merit tournament hosts. I am very confident that both events will be a great success.”