Liam set to complete two year journey from beginner to Gleneagles

Liam Saunders will go from playing golf with his mates to a place at Gleneagles when he tees off at the Lombard Trophy final.

The Northamptonshire amateur has only been involved with the game for around two and a half years after joining Farthingstone Hotel & Golf Club.

But now the 21-year-old from Bugbrooke is set to play in the £80,000 showpiece National Pro-Am final which is being played over the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles between September 1-2.

Saunders will team up with PGA Professional Mike Gallagher who is a previous winner of the event.

But Saunders, who works as a plumber, says the feat shows that any amateur player can make it to a national final.

The pair qualified with a thrilling performance in the qualifying event at Northamptonshire County Golf Club in June when Saunders produced a dramatic shot at the 18th hole to snatch victory.

“It’s been an incredible few weeks really,” said Saunders, who plays off a handicap of 12.

“When I first started playing golf it was just because my mates were doing it.

“I went to play with them and found it took over from football.

“I’d been playing to a decent non-League standard in the United Counties League, but if you’re going to get scouted at that level it’s usually happened by now.

“So I took up golf instead and it’s amazing to think how quickly things have happened.

“When I first started out I didn’t ever think I could make it to a final like this and be playing at the Ryder Cup venue.”

Saunders says he will never forget the shot that won it for Farthingstone and took them to Gleneagles - when he chipped in from 60 yards.

“I was in shock at the time when it went in, and I still can’t believe it now,” he smiled.

“But I’m looking forward to playing with Mike - especially as he’s won this event before.”

Gallagher’s title came in 1990 when the event was held in the Isle of Man.

And he recognises how important the role of the amateur is.

“You can’t win this on your own, it has to be done as a team,” he said.

“Even if you’re only there to make the speech at the end, you’re still part of the team as it means you’ve won.

“You can’t afford to get too worried about things if you’re not playing well. You just have to do what you do.”