Ford aiming to be in top gear for final return

Liverpool Driving Range’s Tim Ford is hoping to improve on last year’s top 10 finish when he plays in the PGA Assistants' Championship North Qualifier at Hesketh Golf Club.

Ford will tee off at the Southport venue on Thursday, May 3, looking to return to the Birdietime-supported showpiece final.

Last year, Ford secured 10th place at Coxmoor Golf Club in Nottinghamshire.

And now he is hoping to book his spot at the £32,000 2018 event which will be played at Farleigh Golf Club in Surrey between July 3-5.

But if he makes the final again, he will be hoping for a smoother tournament as it was a case of what might have been last year.

“I played pretty well over the whole three rounds at Coxmoor, but I had an eight on the 18th hole in the first round,” explained Ford.

“I was on course to be in the top 10 after the first round and that kind of had me struggling to make the cut.

“In the second round, my mindset was to make the cut and give myself a chance on the last day. In the third round I holed a few putts and was three under on the day.

“I think I’d have tied second overall had it not been for that first day score!”

The 26-year-old second year assistant is hoping for better luck. But he says the qualifying event will not be easy.

“That’s the hard bit. Once you’re there, you can sort of let it happen,” he added.

“But I’ve had exams, combined with a knee injury so my game isn’t quite where I want it to be right now. I’ll give it my best shot though.”

Ford is based at the east Liverpool-based Liverpool Driving Range.

“It’s proving very, very popular and it’s a good development, American Golf have bought the shop out and we have a 36 bay floodlit driving range and a short game area,” he explained.

“It took the PGA course because I really like the idea of coaching.”