Kendal’s Parsons plots road to Gleneagles

Kendal personal trainer Graham Parsons is preparing to take his place in Europe’s largest pro-am little over a year after stepping onto a golf course for the first time.

The 21-year-old Cardiff Metropolitan University graduate had never struck a golf ball anywhere other than on a driving range until a local PGA Professional visited a facility close to his university and persuaded him to take his interest in the game to the next level.

Parsons has since flourished. He has struck six off his handicap since joining local club Kirkby Lonsdale where he won his Lombard Trophy club qualifying event to claim a place alongside the club’s PGA pro Kieron Gaskell, above, in the regional final at Lindrick on July 7.

The tournament, which has a total prize fund of £80,000, features 16 regional events with the winner of each invited to play in the grand final over Gleneagles’ King’s Course on September 2-3, just days before the historic venue welcomes the Ryder Cup.

Yet Parsons is keen to take one step at a time ahead of his second competitive appearance.

“Gleneagles is something that we have mentioned,” Parsons admitted. “It would be good and of course the aim is to make it to the final but we know that first we have to go to Lindrick and play well.

“I joined the club last November and since then I’ve been growing in confidence all the time.

“As long as the right Graham turns up on the day I think we have a good chance!

“I played in a few winter events and then in a pro-am more recently where I feel I did okay – it’s just been about making as much time to practise as possible so far.

“I enjoy going out and playing – it just all came from one lesson really and then I got completely hooked!”

A keen golf fan growing up, Parsons, who also plays snooker and five-a-side football, has enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the game.

“I’ve always been interested in golf,” he explained. “It’s something that has always been there.

“I’d always watch the majors as a kid and I have a lot of memories of golfers like Tiger Woods playing the great courses.

“I love sport in general and for that reason I did a sports coaching degree at university which I really enjoyed.

“Now I have a job as a personal trainer which I love. Its brilliant to be able to help people reach their targets and there’s nothing better than somebody coming up to you and saying they have looked in the mirror and been happy with what is looking back.

“It’s a great buzz, and I imagine a very similar feeling to the one PGA Professionals get when they help people improve and achieve in golf.”

Other pairings featuring in the regional final at Lindrick include: Daniel Greenwood and Thomas McGuire (a) (Forest Pines), Adrian Ambler and Richard Boyle (a) (Low Laithes), Stewart Fraser and Chris Young (a) (Burstwick) and Scott Emery and Peter Hewitt (a) (Woodhall Spa).