Patrick in 'safe hands' with PGA winner Garry

Carden Park Golf Resort amateur Patrick Laing says he is bringing a ‘lifetime of experience and mistakes’ to the Lombard Trophy Final.

The consultant orthopaedic surgeon works in Wrexham and has been playing golf for more than 50 years.

And after assuming the of foreign diplomat when he worked in Australia, Laing now hopes he and PGA Professional Garry Houston can shine in Portugal.

Laing will be partnering 2017 PGA Cup winning player Houston at the £41,450, Coca-Cola and Pestana Resorts supported, National Pro-Am grand final which will be held at the Vila Sol resort in the Algarve between September 20-21.

The duo qualified for the final in July when they won the regional final on countback at Fairhaven Golf Club after carding a six under par round of 67.

And Laing, aged 66, hopes that his years in the game will stand him in good stead.

“There’ll be some pressure on this competition but it’s important to relax and enjoy yourself,” said the 12-handicapper.

“I’ve been playing golf since I was 11. And I’ve played golf in Spain, Morocco and, back in 1979, in Australia.

“I played in Sydney and moved to a place called Manley where I worked as a doctor in a hospital.

“I wanted to join Manley Golf Club, and my boss said I had no chance of becoming a member, they said it was full but they had a spare slot for a visiting diplomat. They put me in for that and was able to play there seven days a week - much to my boss’ surprise.

“There’s lifetime’s worth of experience but also a lifetime of repeating the same mistakes!”

Laing says he is safe hands playing alongside the experienced Houston.

“It’s very reassuring having someone as good as Garry playing alongside you,” he added.

“I just hope I can hold my end up and help him out.

“If it’s a good contest, with decent weather then it’ll be good fun.”