Izzard aims for glory at flagship final in Turkey

Portsmouth charity worker Mick Izzard is hoping for plain sailing at the Golfplan Insurance PGA Pro-Captain Challenge in Turkey.

Izzard, captain at Lee on the Solent Golf Club, will join PGA Professional Rob Edwards (left) for the £25,000 event, supported by Canopius, which is being held on the PGA Sultan course at Antalya Golf Club from November 21-22.

The pair booked their place in the event by winning their qualifier at Goodwood in August.

“This has just been the icing on the cake to a very good year,” said Izzard, (61, right), who plays off a handicap of 10.

“The whole club is buzzing about us getting to the final. It’s been brilliant for us and everyone wants us to do well. Rob and I are looking forward to this immensely.”

Away from the golf course, Izzard works as a fundraiser for the Sea Cadets, and is currently seeking funds for a new vessel.

“We’re trying to raise money towards the cost of a new flagship to replace the TS Royalist at the moment,” he said.

“It’s an ocean going yacht which is used to take cadets out to sea, but it is 40 years old and we need a new one.”

PGA pro Edwards also admits his mind has been more focused on a life-changing event.

“I’ve been planning more towards my upcoming wedding in February, so if we win then it’s certainly going to help to pay for some of that!” he explained.

“I actually haven’t been playing as much as I would normally so it’s ironic that we’ve made it to the final.”

Edwards says their appearance in the final sums up a good 12 months.

“The club’s really in a good place at the moment and this event rounds of the year nicely for us,” he added.

“I’m good friends with Mick, we socialise as well so we know each other as well as each other’s game. Hopefully it will make for a good combination in the final, which I’m glad to reach having been close twice before.”

New sponsor Golfplan is backing the tournament to raise its profile in clubs and make golfers aware of its comprehensive insurance product.

The product  includes replacing stolen clubs with brand new equipment, liability cover in case a wayward shot damages someone or something and can even cover your bar bill if you manage a hole in one!

Roger Harvey, managing director of the Bristol-based firm, commented: “We’re looking forward to our first grand final and wish all the finalists the best of luck.

“The final in Turkey caps a great first year of sponsoring the event in which we’ve seen some fantastic golf and also been able to highlight our comprehensive insurance product which is aimed at golfers seeking unrivalled cover.”