McLean warns of ‘monster’ Bowood challenge in Glenmuir qualifier

Paul McLean has told competitors to expect ‘something a little bit special’ when Bowood Golf & Country Club hosts the west’s qualifying round of the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship.

It will be the first time the Wiltshire venue has staged the event and McLean, who will be one of two host professionals teeing it up on May 28, hopes it will prove a tough test.

McLean is rightly proud of the course and a strong field drawn from the West and Wales, will be aiming to tame it and make it through to the £78,000 Glenmuir showpiece final on June 11-14 at De Vere Slaley Hall in Northumberland.

The final, supported by FootJoy, will also decide who makes the Great Britain and Ireland PGA Cup team which will face the United States, also at Slaley Hall, in September.

“This is the first time we’ve hosted a qualifying round of the Glenmuir but we’ve staged a number of tournaments over the years and I would describe it as a proper championship course,” said McLean.

“It can be a monster, but I also think it’s a little bit special. Bowood is a cut above and we’re more than happy to be hosting it.

“We’re trying to raise the profile of the club all the time and this is a great way to do it.

“By the time we host the event the greens should be pretty slick as well.

“It was designed by Dave Thomas, the architect of The Belfry, and is set in parkland designed by Capability Brown 200 years ago so players are really going to enjoy their day here.”

Even though Bowood will have two representatives, McLean does not feel he is among the contenders.

“Nic Brennan is my senior assistant and he should have a decent crack at qualifying for the final. He’s been playing out in Zambia recently, but he plays the regions when he’s back over here.”

Other players taking part at Bowood include Paul Hendriksen (Dinnaton), Brian Lee (Parc Golf Academy), Martyn Thompson (Parkstone), Jason Avery (St Mellion) and Anthony Williams (Celtic Manor).