Practice makes perfect for Talbot

Keen sportsman Pete Talbot has reaped what he has sown on the practice field and is now preparing to play in the final of the Lombard Trophy at 2014 Ryder Cup venue Gleneagles.

Keen golfer, cricketer and footballer Talbot has spent increasing hours on the range over the last few years, and he has noticed a suitably large impact on his game – slicing his handicap and putting him in the reckoning for club honours.

Such has been the ice cream delivery man’s dedication on the course over the last few years that even a late change to his PGA Professional partner ahead of the vital Lombard Trophy regional final at Camberley Heath could not knock him off his stride.

The 35 year old was scheduled to play alongside Farnham PGA Professional Rob Colborne but with the latter forced to pull out the night before when he became a father, assistant PGA Professional Luke Bone was sent instead.

Now Talbot (left) and Bone (right) will combine once again over Gleneagles’ King’s Course for the £43,600 final on September 2-3.

The championship, which is recognised as the largest pro-am event in Europe, is returning to Gleneagles for a second year, and will take place just three weeks before Europe take on America in the biennial Ryder Cup at the same venue.

“I haven’t had chance to really feel nervous yet to be honest,” Talbot admitted.

“We got to the regional final and saw the size of the field and I never expected that we would come out on top.

“It wasn’t until the halfway hut that I thought ‘you know what we stand a chance here’.

“I guess actually playing more regularly has had the biggest impact on improving my game.

“I’ve always played golf and been a member since I was a junior, but for years I struggled to find the time to go out every week because of my cricket and football commitments.

“But since I’ve been playing regularly my game has improved dramatically – I guess it shows what happens when you take full advantage of your membership.”

Similarly Bone has had little time to mull over the challenge that lies ahead.

“It was a bit mad coming in at last minute for Rob and actually managing to qualify,” he explained.

“But in a way it helped as I didn’t feel any real pressure going into the event.

“I guess it’s a bit similar this time around – I’ve been away on holiday for two weeks so I just need to come back in and see how it goes.

“The main expectation for us is to go there, enjoy the experience of visiting the wonderful hotel and amazing course at Gleneagles and see how far we can go from there.”