Leading Midlands pros head to Somerset

Past champions Brian Rimmer and Dan Greenwood will be among the PGA Professionals teeing up in the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship at Burnham & Berrow.

They head up a strong Midlands contingent travelling to Somerset for the PGA’s flagship event, which will take place from June 2-5.

Greenwood, from Forest Pines near Scunthorpe, took the title two years ago while experienced Rimmer (Little Aston) last won in 1997.

Both will hope to be among the leading lights in the £78,000 championship final where PGA Cup captain Jon Bevan will be present.

He will be keeping an eye on his potential charges as the top six players will secure places in the ten-man GB&I team to take on the United States at CordeValle, California in September.

The event carries a £10,000 first prize, while Peugeot will provide the winner with the use of a top of the range 308GT for a year.

The event was won last year by Christopher McDonnell who will head to Burnham & Berrow looking to be the first man to defend his title since Russell Weir back in 1988.

Matthew Johnson, Titleist brand director, said: “We are really excited to be sponsoring a tournament that sits at the pinnacle of The PGA schedule, providing PGA Professionals with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills at the highest level.

“This year marks the first in a new four year partnership between Titleist and The PGA. It is a relationship we are proud to expand in order to help serious golfers of all abilities, from competitive club-based professionals to club golfers, shoot their best scores.

“We look forward to meeting competitors at the regional qualifiers and the final at the magnificent Burnham and Berrow in June and wish everyone taking part the very best of luck.”

Among those taking part from the Midlands include: Adam White (Perton Park), Stephen Bennett (Waltham Windmill), Lee Clarke (Beeston Fields), Richard Reed (Glen Gorse), Jeremy Nicholls (South Staffs) and Cameron Clark (Moor Hall).

The other players from the east region to have qualified for the final include: Brett Taylor (Brett Taylor Golf), Keith Grant (St Ives), Lawrence Dodd (Bury Golf Range), Mark Bishop (Toot Hill), Sam Willis (North Weald) and David Bunker (Stanmore).

In addition to a £10,000 first prize, Peugeot are providing the winner with the use of a top of the range 308GT for a year.