Far Grange looking for Happy Gleneagles trip

Far Grange PGA Professional Darren Leng is hoping his amateur partner Michael Jones will have the confidence to ‘tap it in’ when they get to the Lombard Trophy final at Gleneagles.

The duo will take to the fairways of the PGA Centenary Course, host to the Ryder Cup last year, on September 1-2 for the £43,600 championship final.

The last two years have been decidedly busy for metal worker Jones, who has got married, bought a house and become a dad to a now four-month-old daughter.

But that didn’t stop him from partnering Leng to an impressive victory in the regional final at Fulford, securing them a place in the final of an event which is recognised as the largest pro-am in Europe.

More than 800 clubs entered the event this year, with just 16 making it through to the final at Gleneagles.

And Leng admitted Jones’ putting style may draw fond memories for their fellow competitors at the Auchterarder course.

“Michael used to play a lot of ice hockey so his putting style does resemble Happy Gilmore’s a little bit where he grips the putter like an ice hockey stick,” Leng explained, referencing the cult Adam Sandler film.

“He is a very good player and I’m confident we can go all the way at Gleneagles.

“I played in the final of this event in 2009 so I have been there before and know what it takes.

“We’re taking two caddies which should help settle the nerves and I just want him to be able to go out there and enjoy the event.

“We’ve got a really good opportunity to go out there and play a course that you would normally sit at home and watch on TV.”

Jones was feeling upbeat after the regional final.                    

“This is my first year back playing really, it’s been a busy time and this makes it busier. But it’s a nice distraction to have,” he smiled.

“Playing a final at Gleneagles is going to be a once in a lifetime experience.”