Fast start for Ben

Ben Wilkinson used to work in a fast-food chain. Now has made a fast start to his professional golf career, writes Ken Gaunt.

The 22-year-old marked his debut on The PGA in Hampshire circuit by holding off a strong field to win the Southampton Rotary AM Connect Pro-Am  at Romsey  with a one under 68.

It was enough to give the 121 Golf assistant pro a single shot victory - and £420 - ahead of Gary Stubbington, John Hay and Jack Coulbert.

“The money is always welcome. It was a great day and quite unexpected,” says Wilkinson, whose Facebook page was flooded with congratulatory messages.

“That was really nice as a number of people I haven’t heard from in ages got in touch to send their best wishes which I really appreciated.”

Such was his determination to make a career out of golf he quit college and got a job in KFC, so he could spend more time honing his skills at his home club Royal Winchester.

The turning point came ten months later he was being taken on by Mark Amey at Chandlers Ford Golf Academy and his game began to show a marked improvement.

Wilkinson then turned pro last October after nudging his handicap down from four to one in the space of two years.

Yet he admits to being riddled with nerves as he was about to make his bow. “Although everyone was fine with me I do not think I settled down all day,” he says.

He chalked up three birdies in his round but wondered if he had blown it by missing chances to go further under par at the 17th and 18th.

In the end a regulation five at the last was enough to secure a narrow victory.

Wilkinson adds: “You are never sure what is going to pan out on your debut. But winning is the best way to settle your nerves, take it from me. I can go into my next event with a bit more confidence.”