Loran ready to conquer final debut nerves

Essex player Steve Loran will make his debut in the Galvin Green PGA Assistants’ Championship Final after using his local college course to turn professional.

The 22-year-old from Colchester made it to the showpiece event after finishing joint third at the qualifying event held at Aldwickbury Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire last May.

Now he will play in the £32,000 Assistants’ final which takes place at Coxmoor Golf club in Nottinghamshire between August 2-4.

Loran, currently in his first year of PGA training, was taken on as an Assistant at Colne Valley Golf Club after working with head professional Scott Rusbridge.

“I went to the Colne Community College and I did a Golf and BTEC Sport degree and then the coaches are now my bosses, I just stayed with them and it went from there,” said Loran.

“At college it was quite flexible, you can split your studies up into half days and I was able to do some coaching at the golf club, it all works together.

“The head professional Scott recommended the PGA course, the people at the club said how well it was run and that it was the best there is around. I just wanted to be part of that. It’s always good to say you’re a PGA pro when you mention it to other people.”

Loran admits he will go to Coxmoor with no expectations of what he can do over the three days of the tournament. But he says he has put no shortage of hours in to prepare for the event.

“I’m keeping a busy schedule to try and get as much golf in as possible,” he said.

“As an amateur, I did a few Essex events and won a couple of club championships, going along quite steadily but putting in respectable performances, so I’ve always been there or thereabouts.

“At the moment, I’m still getting a feel for how best to put a round together. When I qualified for the final, I shot level par so it was quite tough on the day. I felt I played really well and was pleased with it.

“As for the final, I’m a bit nervous about it, but all I want to try and do is play well. I’m going to take it in my stride and go from there.”

Other players from the East of England playing at Coxmoor include: Sean Brady (De Vere Dunston Hall); David Salisbury (Three Rivers Golf & Country Club);  Darren Close (South Beds Golf Club); Robert Salter (Woodbridge Golf Club); Craig Housden (Little Channels Golf Centre);  and William Woodrow (Royal Cromer Golf Club)