Head pro Hamerton homes in on Delamere delight

A former European Tour player who has embarked on a new career as a head PGA Professional will be aiming to qualify for this year’s Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship.

Grant Hamerton from Bury’s Pike Fold Golf Club is among those bidding to qualify in the Peugeot-supported event at Delamere Forest on May 31 with his target a place in the £78,000 Glenmuir showpiece being held on June 11-14 at De Vere Slaley Hall in Northumberland.

The 40-year-old, who completed his three-year PGA foundation degree last year, is relishing the chance to compete again having endured a rollercoaster of emotions with the game down the years.

“I was on the European Tour from 1999 to 2002 but then I just fell out of love with golf and went to work in London with a mate for a couple of years,” he said.

“Then another mate asked me if I fancied a round of golf. And just playing with friends again reignited that spark in me.

“The work dried up and I headed back north. Then someone suggested I do my PGA training and get properly qualified.

“I’d never particularly fancied being a club professional, plus I thought I was too old for that sort of thing but I did it though and when I’d qualified I managed to get a head professional’s job so it has all worked out.”

Hamerton, whose ambition is still to play in the Open Championship after coming close to qualifying on several occasions, hopes he can make his experience count at Delamere Forest.

“I’ve played in the last three PGA Assistants’ finals and I’ll be giving it a go at Delamere Forest. I’m really looking forward to it especially as it’s my first Glenmuir event.”

An added incentive for Hamerton is that leading finishers at the grand final will also earn a shot at representing Great Britain & Ireland in the PGA Cup against the United States, also at Slaley Hall in September.

Among the other PGA Professionals in action at Delamere Forest are two-time Glenmuir runner-up Andrew Barnett (North Wales Golf Range), James Dowling (Preston Golf Club),  reigning PGA National Pro-Am Champion Lee Rooke (Vale of Llangollen Golf Club) and Jason O’Brien (Widnes Golf Club).