Former champion aiming for more glory at Gleneagles

Ex-champion Craig Sutherland has his sights set on another Lombard Trophy title after reaching his second final in three years.

The Cherry Lodge Golf Club PGA Professional (left) teamed up with Biggin Hill-based amateur Chris Witts to win an exciting regional final at Kingswood Golf Club by one shot.

Sutherland, who hit the jackpot with victory in Las Vegas two years ago with Cherry Lodge amateur Colin Rutter, will be back for another attempt when he and Witts play in the £43,600 grand final from September 3-4 which will be held at Gleneagles in Scotland - the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.

But they had an anxious four hour wait before their victory at the Surrey venue was confirmed after they carded an eight-under-par round of 64.

The Cherry Lodge pair eventually triumphed ahead of Christian Tyrrell and Steve Duckett of New Forest Golf Club.

And 25-year-old Witts, who plays off a handicap of three, admitted he was a relieved man.

The recruitment consultant said: “It was a tense wait at the end, we’d posted eight under par but we weren’t sure it would be enough as we felt we could have been three or four shots better.

“We were waiting in case someone pipped us but they didn’t.

“I’m so pleased we’ve got to the final, this was something I’ve always wanted to do but never managed to.

“I know Craig really well, not only is he my coach but we get on like a house on fire. He helped me so much during the round.

“I’ve been a member at Cherry Lodge since I was eight so this means a lot to me.”

Sutherland admitted he is relishing the chance of another crack at the title.

He said: “I’m from Scotland originally so I’m looking forward to going to Gleneagles, especially as it’s the Ryder Cup venue.

“When we won two years ago it was massive for the club. I didn’t think we’d done enough to win at Kingswood, we were eight under par after nine holes and I knew it’d be close so it was great to finally be confirmed as winners.”