Harrison hopes golfing travels are passport to Powerade success

Jack Harrison is looking to cap a whirlwind and globe-trotting year by landing the Powerade PGA Assistants’ Championship at Coventry next week from June 11-13.

The 23 year old Wildwood assistant, who was runner up to Matt Cort in the FootJoy supported event 12 months ago, goes into the £32,500 54-hole tournament as one of the favourites on the back of top 25 finishes in the Turkish Airlines Challenge and Czech Challenge.

Harrison, whose father Phil and uncles John and Steve are PGA pros, narrowly missed out by one shot last year and identified victory in the Powerade event as one of his targets for the year.

Since finishing runner up behind Cort, Harrison has tested his skills across the globe, finishing fourth in the Australian equivalent of Assistants', earning his card on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa, leading after the first round of the Zimbawe Open and teeing it up on the range alongside the likes of ex-Masters champion Charl Schwartzel as he tried to qualify for the Joburg Open.

But his presence in the FootJoy-supported final this year was a near run thing having nearly missed out on qualifying at Pype Hayes in May where only a run of four birdies in his last five holes saw him secure the last qualification spot on offer.

“I would have been absolutely gutted if I hadn’t qualified because I like the Coventry course and it suits my game. One of my aims this year when I sat down with my coach (Clive Tucker) was to win the Powerade," said Harrison.

"Finishing runner up last year was a real confidence booster and gave me belief especially going round in 68 in the final round.”

But while playing is his passion, Harrison has been enjoying his PGA training and admits the three year degree programme has been an eye opener.

“At first I didn’t want to do my PGA training but my dad, who is a PGA pro and played on the European Tour, persuaded me it was a good idea and it’s been really good for my knowledge of all aspects of the game,” he added.

“When I went into I thought it would be a doddle and thought I would know everything but the course is really in-depth and interesting especially the business side and the sports science. I feel know that if things don’t work out playing wise I’m equipped to pursue a career working as a director of golf or coaching or similar roles.”

The champion at Coventry will secure a £5,000 first prize with the winner also bagging a year’s supply of Powerade product and Glenmuir clothing plus a further £1,000 from the sponsor.

Other assistants in action from the south region include Lee Gauthier ( Badgemore Park) who topped the Laleham qualifier, Ross Higham (West Surrey) ; Mark Hillson (Tandridge), James McGilvray (Birchwood Park), and Kevin Tilbury (Hazelmere).