Matthew earns a one-time opportunity at Farleigh

Sandiway Golf Club’s Matthew Dunbabin admits he wanted a shot at the PGA National Assistants’ Championship final before he became a fully qualified professional.

The final year assistant has never played the event before but was determined to make it into this year’s showpiece occasion.

And Dunbabin finished second in the qualifying round held at Hesketh Golf Club in Southport.

Now the Northwich-based player will tee off in the £32,000 Birdietime-supported Assistants’ final which will be played at Farleigh Golf Club in Surrey between July 3-5.

“The form I was in at Hesketh encouraged me for the final, but it’s going to be a different course at Farleigh and one I’ve never played before,” said Dunbabin.

“I shall be going down there on the Sunday before the event and have a look at it that evening before playing a practice round on the Monday.

“It’s always important to see the tees and the things you can and can’t do, it’s vital.”

And he says it was important for him to take part in a competition that will never come around again.

“I didn’t play it in the first year of my training and I missed out at Hesketh last year,” added 21-year-old Dunbabin.

“It was the main aim at the start of the year to get into this final because it’s the last time I could qualify.

“I worked a bit harder over the winter to prepare - instead of being lazy!

“And the improvement has been there which is good going into the final.

“I basically improved my time management to get the work done for the PGA exams and play and practice as well.
“It wasn’t the best weather, but I got the time in on the course that I wanted.

“I chose the PGA course because I wanted to help myself and my career, it’s good to have that qualification and, in this sport, you need it.

“It’s the best known name in golf.”

Other players from the North West of England due to play at Farleigh include: Nick Tibbetts (Carlisle Golf Club);   Jason Dranfield (Heswall Golf Club);  Iain Burrow (Preston Golf Club); Jamie Howarth (Davenport Golf Club); Sam Towndrow (Southport and Ainsdale); and Ben Thompson (Hazel Grove Golf Club); and  Dan Croft (Allerton Manor Golf Course).

For more information on the event at Farleigh, click here.