Kamran ready to rush into pro ranks

Russian speaker Kamran Zeynalov will his first event as a PGA professional at Ladybank Golf Club on Wednesday.

Azerbaijan-born Zeynalov, of Aberdeen’s Porthleven Golf Club, is set to tee off in the Titleist & Footjoy PGA Professional Championship Scottish qualifying event.

He will be hoping to make the £78,000 grand final which is being held at Little Aston Golf Club near Birmingham between July 24-27.

But 25-year-old  Zeynalov is hoping that he does not repeat his previous experience of reaching a PGA final if he qualifies at the Fife venue.

“I made it through to the PGA Assistants’ Final a couple of years ago,” he recalled.

“But it was a nightmare. I drove down to Coventry, which was a long way of course, and when I played, I found the greens quicker than I expected and it just didn’t go well.

“They were unbelievably fast, I was changing grips after each round.

“I can only hope that things are different this time if I qualify, although it was a good experience for me. I’d like to think that if I play my best then I have a chance - but I see this final is also in the Midlands!”

Zeynalov will be relishing the chance of some competitive golf in this event now that he is newly-qualified.

“There hasn’t been much chance to play so far this year, and after this there isn’t much until May, the calendar is kind of slow and this’ll be my first event,” he added.

“So it’ll be good to get out there now that I’ve got my exams out of the way and have finally qualified.

“This is a big event and if I could get to the final it’d be a good way to mark my first year in the Professional ranks. I’m hoping to play a lot more this year anyway.”

Zeynalov moved to Scotland with his mother she married a Scotsman.

“I’ve been here 15 years now, which is why I don’t sound Russian, even though I speak the language,” he explained.

Other players from Scotland taking part at Ladybank include:     Michael Patterson (Kilmacolm Golf Club);    Ian Taylor (Drumpelier Golf Club);   Graham Fox (Clydeway Golf); Craig Matheson (Falkirk Tryst Golf Club);   Gareth Wright (West Linton Golf Club) and Louis Gaughan (Bathgate Golf Club)