Mike ferries Ashford to Turkey after Kings Hill victory

Ashford Golf Club captain Mike Luetchford produced a ship shape performance to reach the Golfplan Insurance PGA Pro-Captain Challenge in Turkey.

The former ferry company salesman (pictured on left) partnered PGA Professional Paul Sherman (right) as they dominated the qualifying event at Kings Hill Golf Club.

The Ashford pairing carded a commanding 12-under-par round of 60 to win by two shots ahead of Matthew Stock and Graham Loveless from Surrey National Golf Club.

The Kent duo will now play in the £25,000 final, supported by Canopius, over the PGA Sultan course at Antalya Golf Club, Turkey, from November 21-22.

Luetchford, 65, admitted Sherman always felt that their score would be enough to win.

He said: “When we came off at the 18th hole, Paul shook my hand and said ‘I think we’re going to Turkey’.

“We were first off at 8am and you never think you’re going to produce a winning score from there.

“But Paul played really well and I got a nett eagle at the ninth hole so I was delighted with that.”

He added: “It’s a big thing for the club. I’ve travelled a lot over the years and know Turkey well so I’m looking forward to going back.”

Former European Tour player Sherman will be playing in his first Pro-Captain final.

He said: “You can never say never when you’ve made a good score, but I’ve never seen anyone shoot 59 before so I was confident we would be okay.

“We finished really well and the captain chipped in with some good shots. It was a real team effort.

“I’ve never made it to this final before but I have had a few second places. It’ll be great to represent the club in Turkey.”