New Place for Andrew

Devon assistant PGA Professional Andrew Place is looking to complete a big 12 months by securing a spot in the Galvin Green PGA Assistants’ Championship final.

Place, 28, moved to East Devon Golf Club in November, just months after his partner had given birth to their new daughter Ellie.

Moving to be closer to his girlfriend's family, Place was forced to switch from childhood club Staddon Heights in Plymouth where he had been based since he was 12.

Yet the second year assistant is relishing his new surroundings and, with the bulk of the upheaval behind him, is looking forward to staking his claim for a place in the £32,000 championship final at Little Aston in August.

To do so he will have to navigate a potentially tricky qualifier at Exeter Golf Club on May 16, but Place, who knows the course well, is feeling confident ahead of the day.

“I’ve played Exeter a few times,” he explained. “I’d like to think that if I play as well as I know I can do then I stand a chance.

“I like the course, and whenever I’ve played there in the past I’ve always done well up to the last few holes where I’ve tended to struggle – and I’ve been told they’ve changed them since I last played there which could do me a favour!

“It’s exciting to be able to play in this event as I had to miss out due to work last year.”

Place admitted that leaving Staddon Heights was a wrench, having worked his way up from junior member to assistant professional at the club.

“I’d been there a long time so it was difficult to leave,” he reflected. “But at the time it was necessary for the family so I had to do it.

“Having said that I’m really enjoying my new position at East Devon, the members are really nice and it’s a very friendly club.

“And my boss Trevor is really keen that I get out there and play, so that’s going to give me the chance to get involved with the regional Order of Merit and a few other events this year, too.”

Other players competing in the regional qualifier at Exeter include: Gavin Abson (Trevose), Joshua Hancock (Newquay), Craig Melding (Neath), BMW PGA Championship qualifier James Ruth (China Fleet), Ross Whitelock (St Mellion) and Richard Woods (Dainton Park).