Open links venues host exciting new pro-am

Two of the UK’s finest links courses will take centre stage at a new £12,500 event set to cap another exciting season of golf in the south.

The Sandwich Links Championship Pro-Am carrying a first prize of £2,000 will take place at Royal St George’s (above) and Prince’s (below) on October 13-14.

Both Sandwich courses are Open Championship venues with Royal St George’s the scene of Darren Clarke’s popular triumph when he lifted the Claret Jug in 2011 while American legend Gene Sarazen won at Prince’s in 1932.

Sam Smith, secretary of The PGA in England (South) said: “We’re delighted to add this new pro-am to the schedule for our members and amateurs alike.

“Royal St George’s and Prince’s are two of the finest links courses in golf. With unpredictable winds, rolling fairways and fast, firm greens, links golf challenges and delights every level of golfer, and this is very welcome addition to our tournament schedule.”

Entry includes a complimentary practice round on Sunday, October 12 with top team prizes sponsored by Callaway. Full entry details here.

The pro-am at the end of the year brings the curtain down on a busy season of golf in the region which will see Kent ace Richard Wallis bidding to win the Virgin Atlantic sponsored Order of Merit for a fifth successive season.