Khan heads London Open field

Former PGA champion Simon Khan heads a strong field for the inaugural London Open @ West Essex, which takes place this week (June 15-16).

Khan won the European Tour’s traditional flagship event in 2010 and has been a Wentworth specialist down the years. He has also twice finished second around the West Course and at the end of last month was tied-15th in the latest renewal of the famous championship.

Khan will be joined at West Essex by fellow European Tour star Oli Fisher, the 2011 Czech Open winner.

This week’s field can also boast Ray Russell (Centurion) – another to have won on the European Tour – and Rob Coles (Maylands G&CC). Both are regulars at East region tournaments but have many years’ experience of Tour life between them.

Two others in the field, David Griffiths (West Herts) and Lloyd Kennedy (Woolston Manor), recently held cards on Europe’s top circuit as well.

James Ruebotham (Welwyn Garden City) and Ian Campbell (Cheshunt Park) are the two most in-form players from the East region. Plus, evergreen class acts Jason Levermore (Channels), Ian Ellis (Great Yarmouth & Caister) and Darren Charlton (Dunstable Downs) can be expected to be there or thereabouts on the leaderboard.

Gordon Campbell, regional secretary for the PGA in England (East), said: “The first ever staging of the London Open @ West Essex promises to be a superb event – a real highlight of our season. It is arguably the strongest field that we have had for an Order of Merit tournament – certainly in recent times.

“The event has been superbly supported by the host club and a long list of sponsors. The London Open @ West Essex is sure to produce some great golf and it will be fascinating to see who emerges as the champion.”

Chris Baron, the head PGA professional at West Essex, added: “There's a real buzz about the place this week.  The club has got behind this event with amazing passion and I hope all of the players enjoy the challenge.”