Jones preparing for once in a lifetime final

Metal worker Michael Jones hammered his rivals to reach the Lombard Trophy Final at Gleneagles.

Jones partnered Far Grange Golf Club professional Darren Leng in the regional qualifier at York’s Fulford Golf Club.

And the duo produced a devastating back nine to record an impressive 11-under-par round of 61.

That gave them victory by two shots ahead of Steve McKenna and Reece Parsons, from City of Newcastle Golf Club.

Jones and Leng will now represent the East Riding club in the £80,000 final played over the PGA Centenary Course at the Ryder Cup venue between September 1-2.

And for ex-champion Leng it give him the chance to repeat his success in the final of this competition six years ago when it was held in Turkey.

New dad Jones, who has a four month old daughter, admitted that two holes in particular turned the day in their favour.

“We were four-under-par at the turn, then I made a nett eagle at the 11th before Darren chipped in from 50 yards at the 12th to do the same,” said 30-year-old Jones, who plays off a handicap of eight.

“In the space of two holes, we were suddenly eight-under-par.

“Darren knew we had to get to 10 or 11-under-par at Fulford to stand a chance of winning on the day and we managed to make three more birdies.”

Jones, from Leven in Yorkshire, put his game on hold last year to get married and start a family.

“This is my first year back playing really, it’s been a busy time and this makes it busier. But it’s a nice distraction to have!” he smiled.

‘Playing a final at Gleneagles is going to be a once in a lifetime experience.”

Leng used all of his experience to get himself and Jones to the final.

“I won here when I made the final in 2009 and I knew what we’d have to do,” he said.

“When we were four-under I told Mike that we’d have to do something special and that’s what we did at the 11th and 12th holes.

“It’s those sort of shots that win the day.

“When I won the final it was played in Antalya in Turkey, Gleneagles will be different but just as exciting. We’re both really looking forward to it. It’d be good to see if I can win it again.”