Portelli eying up Play-Offs challenge

Glen Portelli (Old Fold Manor) admits that he has unfinished business when it comes to the PGA Play-Offs.

The talented Hertfordshire ace, 27, has twice appeared in the select field for the end-of-season showdown – but has yet to crack the top-10.

He was 16th season on his tournament bow in Turkey in 2015 and finished tied-13th at Walton Heath last autumn.

However, Portelli believes he is capable of achieving more if he gets another crack at the Play-Offs this year in Turkey.

Powerful Portelli is in the form of his life, having racked up seven pro-am victories so far on the 2018 PGA schedule.

His results in the Order of Merit events have also been impressive and he stands in third spot on the overall rankings with just two events remaining.

The first of those is on September 5-6 at Bishop’s Stortford where Portelli will be among the favourites, having recorded one of his three Order-of-Merit tournament triumphs there.  

Assessing the race for an all-important top-three spot, he said: “I'll play the last two Order of Merit events and see where it leaves me.  But it's wide open for sure.

“The standard is so good at the top and I enjoy the battle with the guys. It's going to be a great climax, I'm sure.

“There will be some juggling for position, but it's nice to be up there.

“Whoever qualifies for the Play-Offs from our region I know will do the East proud. But I’m chomping at the bit to play in the climax of our season.

“In 2015 I played poorly in Turkey but it was a great experience. At Walton Heath I played well and did okay; it wasn't the most ideal course for my game but I still managed to get it under par for three rounds.

“There's definitely unfinished business with the Play-Offs.  I'll try to get there again and again each year and I'm sure it will happen one year.”

The irony is Portelli could qualify but still NOT line up at Antalya in Turley from November 21-23.

He explained: “The tricky one for me is that our first child is due on 24th November! I might not be able to play in the Play-Offs – but I'm definitely trying to get into the top-three regardless.”