Long-serving duo look for success in the sun

A long-serving pair of Holywell golfers are set to team up and represent the club in its first appearance in a PGA final.

Club captain Don Fergusson, left, will partner PGA Professional Matt Parsley, right, for the grand final of the Golfplan Insurance PGA Pro-Captain Challenge final at Antalya Golf Club in Turkey.

The duo will take on nine other pairings in the £25,000 showpiece, which is supported by Canopius, over the PGA Sultan Course on November 26-27.

Amateur Fergusson, who plays off a handicap of 16, has been a member at Holywell since 1990 while Parsley took the reins as the club’s professional 14 years ago.

During that time they have worked together frequently, increasingly so due to Parsley’s extra commitments as club secretary, but they rarely had chance to play golf together.

That was until the regional qualifier at Dunham Forest where the pair carded a 10-under-par 62 on the way to a two-shot victory.

“I certainly didn’t go into the qualifier expecting a place in the final,” explained Newcastle United supporter Fergusson, 61.

“We played well though and we managed to finish with a really good score which takes us through to Turkey – it’s amazing really.

“I’m pleased to be playing alongside Matt. He’s very popular at the club – a great golfer and a great teacher.

“I’ve played at Holywell since I was 37 when I was invited along by a few friends to give golf a go. To have the opportunity to now represent the club in something like this is incredible.”

Morale at the club has been at a high as the members show their support for the Turkey-bound duo.

And Parsley, whose previous playing career highlight came when he qualified to represent Wales in the PGAs of Europe’s International Team Championships, is confident they will do the club proud.

“We have a very passionate, loyal membership here,” Parsley said.

“They’re all hoping we will go out there and do the club proud and of course that makes you want to win that little bit more.

“I’ve known Don for many years and it’s been really nice to spend time with him on the golf course, rather than round the committee table!

“I’ve never played golf in Turkey so that will be an experience in itself. The course looks amazing so I’m sure we’ll both enjoy playing it.”