Hutcheon hits the front ahead of PGA Play-Offs finale

27/04/2022

Scotland’s Greig Hutcheon birdied the final hole to post a three-under par round of 69 and take a slender one shot advantage into the final round of The PGA Play-Offs at PGA National Slieve Russell.

Scotland’s Greig Hutcheon birdied the final hole to post a three-under par round of 69 and take a slender one shot advantage into the final round of The PGA Play-Offs at PGA National Slieve Russell.

The Torphins Golf Club pro produced a day two effort that included five birdies and two dropped shots to move to the front at five-under par, one stroke clear of overnight leader Simon Thornton (Tulfarris), David Higgins (Waterville Golf Links) and Michael Farrier-Twist (Seddlescombe GC).

“It wasn’t always so pretty at times, there was some good golf in spells, but I also did some pretty good scrambling today,” reflected Hutcheon.

“It’s certainly a score I would take. I didn’t exactly have complete control of the ball but it was a decent round.”

With the top-3 players from each region all fighting for lucrative DP World Tour and Challenge Tour starts at this week’s £25,000 three-day event, Hutcheon’s hopes to put his experience to use in his pursuit of the title.

“I’m in a good position going into tomorrow,” said the 49-year old who enjoyed three victories on the Challenge Tour between 1999 and 2003.

“I’ll plot my way around, won’t try anything too fancy and keep it fairly simple. The first shot I’ll think about is the five-wood I’ll be hitting down the first, just like it’s been every day this week.”

Amongst the chasing pack is one of the home favourites, Thornton who added an even par 72 to his opening 68 to remain in touch at minus-four.

“It’s like going into a Sunday in contention, that’s where you want to be,” said Thornton.

“You put yourself in the right position, hopefully a few can fall by the wayside and you can be one ahead walking off 18. That’s the plan.”

Eight players find themselves under-par heading into the final day with just three shots separating the top-8. Paul O’Hara (North Lanarkshire Leisure Ltd) sits alone in fifth at three-under, one stroke ahead of a three-way tie for sixth at two-under that includes Matthew Cort (Beedles Lake), Jamie Howarth (Davenporth GC) and Adam Keogh (Woodhall Spa) who signed for the low round on moving day, a four-under par 68.

“Pleased with how we bounced back today and hopefully more of the same tomorrow,” said Keogh.

“Ultimately there’s a long way to go and I don’t think it’s a course you can defend around, you’ve got to attack.”

This year’s field taking on the stunning Co Cavan parkland at Slieve Russell can aspire to obtain similar levels of exposure should they produce under the gun at this week’s event.

As well as a slice of the £25,000 prize fund on offer for PGA Professionals, further possible riches loom at the following DP World starts:

BMW PGA Championship – Winner
British Masters – Winner/runner-up
Irish Open – Winner
Cazoo Open – Winner/runner-up/third place
ISPS Handa World Invitational – Winner
Cazoo Classic – Winner/runner-up/third place
Scottish Hero Open – Winner/runner-up/third place
PGA of South Africa PGA Championship – Winner

And if further incentive was needed, the leading three eligible players from the 2022 PGA Play-Offs will automatically qualify for the 2022 Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup team, providing the individuals meet the criteria for entry to the PGA Cup at all times.

In the event of a tie for the final place, a ‘hole-by-hole’ play-off will be held to determine team places.

For more information, tee-times and scoring, click HERE