Harvey helps champion Levermore set up title defence

Channels Golf Club captain Graeme Harvey admitted he was humbled after helping reigning Golfplan Insurance Pro Captain Challenge title holder Jason Levermore return to the final.

The Essex duo carded an 11-under-par round of 60 to win by a commanding five shots in the East qualifying event held at John O’Gaunt Golf Club in Bedfordshire.

They beat Barry Middleton  and Graham Lyon (Chigwell Golf Club) and Kevin Evans and Stephen Howarth (Stevenage Golf Club) into joint second place.

Levermore won the final in Turkey last year and now he and Harvey will play in the £25,000 showpiece to be held at the PGA Sultan Course at Antalya Golf Club in Turkey on November 25-26.

It was yet another impressive result for Levermore who will also be part of the GB & Ireland squad to play in the PGA Cup in California next month.

And he has also made the final of the PGA National Pro-Am Championship at Gleneagles.

But even though Harvey was paired with an in-form professional, the 61-year-old from Chelmsford was still surprised to see his name at the top of the leaderboard.

“I was in shock straight afterwards, Jason did a very good job of keeping me calm during the day,” said the 16 handicapper who has been a member at Channels for 18 years.

“I had no idea we were doing so well until the last few holes. I think if I’d realised that I’d have started hooking and slicing everything!

“I didn’t want to let Jason down and I feel humbled to have won from such a big field.

“But I’m also proud that we can be representing Channels in the final and that the club’s there for the second year running.

“Jason does a great job for the club and has been playing so well.

“I just let him get on with what he does best, which is playing golf and making birdies.”

Levermore admitted he is on a winning streak at the moment.

The pair made seven birdies on the back nine to underline their dominance.

“It’s going to be a busy end of the year,” said Levermore.

“But I don’t mind that, we had a great trip out to Turkey last year and it’ll be good to go back.

“I seem to like this format and it’s worked out well the past couple of years.”