Ferrie eyes Coca-Cola PGA Assistants’ Championship success

25/07/2022

Kenny Ferrie returns to the Coca-Cola PGA Assistants’ Championship Grand Final this week looking to go one better than last year's dramatic finale.

The three-time European Tour winner Ferrie, now attached to Tynemouth Golf Club in North Shields, was in contention to win the event at Farleigh Golf Club 12 months ago.

But a strong finish by Sussex-based Michael Farrier-Twist, of Sedlescombe Golf Club, forced a play-off which he won against the hugely experienced Ferrie.

The Northumbrian accepts that last year's result was down to Farrier-Twist having an exceptional day, after shooting a round of 64 at the Surrey venue, a score which left both players tied on 15 under par.

Now the pair will be lining up again for this year's final at Royal Cromer Golf Club in Norfolk.

"It was a good tournament, but obviously not the outcome I wanted in the end," said Ferrie. "I played some decent golf during the week, but in the final round, I played okay, but Michael had a fantastic day.

"After we'd finished, I told him that the better man won on the day. He didn't put a foot wrong and was a very deserved winner. He put pressure on me and did everything he had to do. If you're going to win a tournament, you should win it like that, it was very impressive."

Ferrie holds the Assistants' Championship in high regard despite playing on the European Tour.

"It doesn't matter where you play, at whatever level, winning is winning," he said. "It's hard to do, whether it's a local pro-am or a knockabout with your mates, or the Open.

"If you get up there and in contention, you're obviously good enough."

Ferrie expects a different type of final this year at Cromer as he aims to add his name to an honours board that includes those of Tony Jacklin and Peter Alliss and was first contested in 1930.

"I'm told it's a lovely old-fashioned type of course and good to play," he said.

"But I'm expecting quite a different challenge to last year. I'm looking forward to it."

Ferrie says the PGA course gives him a number of future career options in golf and is a valued qualification in the game.

"I'm now at Tynemouth Golf Club with head professional John McKenna who's been there for about 30 years," he added.

"I've been working with John for the last year and that's been really good. I've learnt a lot and it's been interesting."

Ferrie will be joined by a strong field featuring the winners and qualifiers from the regional events.

Among his and Farrier-Twist's rivals will be Scott Young (North Berwick Golf Club); James Walker (Oaks Golf Club); Harry Casey (The Shire, London); Harrison Woan (Overstone Park Golf Club); Dan Brown (Sene Valley Golf Club); Ethon McGrane (Carlow Golf Club); and Alistair Curnock (Minchinhampton New Golf Club).

CLICK HERE to find out more about the PGA Assistants’ Championship.