Jarman primed for Glenmuir qualifier

As the golfing world prepares to focus on Hoylake for the Open Championship in July, Merseyside-born golf pro Sam Jarman will be aiming to write some headlines of his own.

The 42-year-old Milton Keynes-based PGA Professional, who was born just a stone’s-throw away from this year’s Open venue of Royal Liverpool, is busy preparing to make his bow in the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship by teeing up in the south qualifier at Lambourne on May 22.

Should he finish among the front-runners, he will be rewarded with a hard-earned place in the £78,700 Peugeot-supported grand final at Blairgowrie on August 5-8.

“It’s the first time I’ve played in this event after taking part in the PGA Assistants’ Championship last year,” he explained.

“I did okay in that and finished in a decent position, but I’m aware that that doesn’t necessarily mean I will do well here. I obviously want to qualify for Blairgowrie but we’ll just have to see how it goes on the day.

“Obviously it’s a big competition – the biggest there is for us club professionals - and it’s a really good chance to compete against some incredibly good golfers, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Former PGA Europro Tour player Jarman has an abundance of experience on the course, having previously played full time for 10-year spell before a back injury curtailed his ability to compete.

And now he is hoping to pass on the experience gained from playing alongside talented golfers such as Luke Donald and Retief Goosen to others through a career in coaching, even developing his own business to provide the platform for his tuition.

“I love coaching,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to help people and I take a real thrill from it.

“There’s a reason that those who manage to get to the top of the game do so. They are not only good golfers, but they also manage to play well at the right times.

“That’s why it’s important to focus on the mental side of your game too, and I have been working with some top sports psychologists to learn how we can use this to help people reach their potential.

Matthew Eagle, UK and Eire sales director at Glenmuir, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our sponsorship of the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship, which is very well respected as the flagship event for PGA Professionals in Great Britain and Ireland.

“Once again the schedule promises to take in a number of outstanding courses, with Blairgowrie offering a fine venue for this year’s final in August, which is sure to be as intriguing as ever.

“We look forward to another exciting tournament and wish all the competitors the best of luck ahead of the event.”

Other golfers competing in the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship qualifier include: Paul Creamer (Foxhills), Lee Jackson (North Oxford), Paul Newman (East Berkshire), Craig Sutherland (Cherry Lodge), Gareth Williams (Donnington Grove) and Martin Woodbridge (Bearwood Lakes).