Kennedy looks for strong start to 2016

An up and coming Burhill assistant PGA Professional is looking to get the new season off to a bang by qualifying for the Galvin Green PGA Assistants’ Championship final.

Morgan Kennedy, 26, will tee up in the regional qualifier at Farleigh on May 10 with eyes fully focused on a spot in the showpiece occasion at Little Aston, above, later this summer.

A keen player, Kennedy, who is also preparing to represent Burhill during a PGA Europro Tour event at the venue later this month, also contributes to the game by helping to oversee a vibrant junior section at the Surrey club.

And he is confident of his chances in the £32,000 championship, which will be played over a course on which he has played well before.

“I did play Farleigh during the Surrey Masters,” he explained. “I really enjoyed it and would have shot a good score had it not been for a freak hole where I hit a quadruple bogey.

“I’ve had plenty of practice in the run up to this event so I’m feeling good, it would be great to qualify.

“I definitely see my future combining playing and coaching – although at the moment with completing the PGA Foundation Degree too it can be a bit tough to fit everything in.

“That in itself has improved my game though, learning about ball flight and things like that.”

Burhill is the latest stop in a golfing career that has also taken Kennedy to Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor and Paradise Palms in Cleveland, Australia.

“Australia was really nice,” Kennedy recalled. “The way of life was so relaxed and the course itself backed onto a rainforest.

“Celtic Manor was a great experience, too. You really get to grips with customer service working at a resort like that, but I also learnt a lot about custom fitting which is a big part of what I do now.

“I guess it’s all contributed to me getting where I am today. I enjoy working at Burhill, it’s nice and busy and a great place to be.

“And I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity to coach junior golfers which has been a key part of my role so far.”

Other players competing in the regional qualifiers include: Adam Clough (PGolfCoaching@Pedham), Jonathan Deare (Burgess Hill), Aston Goulding (Castle Royle), Ben Hughes (Leatherhead), Zachery Marsh (Mark Janes Golf Academy) and Chris Rodgers (Richings Park).