Izzard sets sail for turkey after Goodwood win

Michael Izzard was on the crest of a wave after reaching the Golfplan PGA Insurance Pro-Captain Challenge final in Turkey.

Lee on the Solent Golf Club captain Izzard (pictured on right) partnered PGA Professional Rob Edwards (left) to win their qualifying event at Golf at Goodwood.

Izzard - who spent 28 years serving in the Royal Navy - carded a nine-under-par round of 62 with Edwards.

That was enough to pip Alan Lovelace and Rob Scully of Merrist Wood College by two shots.

The duo will now represent the Hampshire club in the £25,000 grand final, supported by Canopius, over the PGA Sultan course at Antalya Golf Club, Turkey, from November 21-22.

And Izzard was delighted that Edwards had finally made it to the final.

Izzard said: “He’s had quite a few near misses in the past where he’s lost on countback, so this is a reward for him.

“He played some absolutely fantastic golf and I am euphoric about getting to Turkey.”

Izzard, aged 61, plays off a handicap of 10 and works part-time for the Sea Cadets Charity.

He added: “I don’t recall anyone from our club reaching a final like this before so it’s a great day for us.”

Edwards admitted that his experience of the Goodwood course helped his bid to make it to the final.

He explained: “I played there in the National Pro-Am Championship qualifier a few weeks ago and the winners did it in eight-under.

“We made four birdies and an eagle and played very well, but I didn’t want to count my chickens until the last pair were in.

“We were on tenterhooks for a while because I’d been here before where I thought I might win but you lose out late on.

“But the captain played some lovely stuff.”