Pro-Am spots up for grabs in Northern Open

Playing in a pro-am on the Tartan Tour can create friendships for life, as Stephen Gray, one of the stalwarts on the circuit, and the Kerr family from Dumfries have clearly illustrated. 

Through first playing together in pro-ams, they have become much more than just acquaintances, as Raymond Kerr acknowledged when receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of his family at last year's PGA in Scotland Annual Luncheon in Glasgow.

"This will take pride of place in our office," said Raymond after receiving the award. "I would like to thank Stephen Gray, our regular pro but also our friend."

Responding to that, co-host and former PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said: "This proves the point that our pros are at the heart of the game and people like the Kerr family are the lifeblood of the game."

Similar relationships will be struck up in Tartan Tour events around the country in 2018 and these include the Northern Open, which is being staged at Nairn Dunbar on June 5-8.

The Northern Open boasts a proud history. As one of the oldest events in professional golf, it has a unique place in the Scottish domestic professional golf calendar, bringing together 132 leading PGA professionals and top amateurs, of both genders, in a competitive environment.

This year, the event returns to Nairn Dunbar for the first time since 1999, with the club and its members delighted to host the historic tournament. To celebrate, a pro-am will be held over the challenging links course on Monday, June 4.

In what is a great business-to-business opportunity, coupled with a high-quality golfing and hospitality experience, entry is now open for teams.

The basic cost for three amateurs is £975, which includes coffee and bacon roll on arrival, an 18-hole shotgun pro-am, on-course refreshments, a three-course lunch plus a goodie bag.

The option to include sponsorship of a hole is also available for an extra £275 while an associate sponsor package, which includes three teams, company branding, access to the PGA Marquee at The Open an invitation for two to attend the PGA Annual Luncheon in Glasgow in December can also be purchased for £5,000.

“The PGA in Scotland is keen to engage with local communities and businesses as we take the Tartan Tour around the country," said Shona Malcolm, PGA Regional Manager - Scotland.

"By putting on this pro-am, we aim showcase this great game and provide an opportunity for golfers, business owners and their key customers to spend time with the top Tartan Tour players, benefitting from their experience, tips and tales.  

"As the Kerr brothers can attest, lifelong friendships are made, and business opportunities developed, on the golf course and this is an ideal chance to do just that, while at the same time enjoying a first rate experience and a top quality golf course at Nairn Dunbar, which will host the historic Northern Open in the following days.”

You can download an entry form for the Northern Open Pro-Am from here. For more information contact shona.malcom@pga.org.uk or manager@nairnbunbar.com