R&A man equipped for Lombard challenge

R&A equipment committee member David Rowley-Jones believes a life-long love of golf can steer him on the path to glory in the Lombard Trophy.

The retired doctor, 66, has devoted much of his life to the game since his father urged him to pick up a club aged just eight years old.

That has seen him transform from a rising star at county level into an official charged with approving the latest golfing innovations for use in competitive action.

Rowley-Jones will get his own slice of competition after qualifying to compete alongside his Royal Worlington PGA Professional Richard Beadles, above, in the regional final of Europe’s largest pro-am, which carries a total prize fund of £80,000, at Orsett on June 24.

Should the duo win the regional event they will play in the grand final over the King’s Course at Gleneagles on September 2-3, just days before the Ryder Cup visits the same venue.

Rowley-Jones, from Ashwell, says he hopes he can challenge for a spot in the showpiece event.

“I spend a lot of time golfing, and try to play competitively in pro-ams as many times as I can,” he explained.

“I often find that I do well, we won a couple of times last year but you obviously just go out there, do your best and see what happens.

“That will be the same for this, although it would feel great to make it through to Gleneagles - it would be a really big achievement.

“I know Richard really well and have played with him quite a few times so hopefully that will help.”

Yet despite devoting much of his time to golf, Rowley-Jones ensures he leaves plenty of time for other pursuits.

“I really enjoy working on the committee, as we get to make a real impact on how the game is played,” he explained.

“But even though I spend a lot of time around golf, it’s not all I do - I also enjoy playing bridge and have a real passion for the theatre.

“Two of my daughters are actually professional singers and one of them is currently in a show on the west end – it’s been really nice to see them succeed and I enjoy going to see them perform.”

Other pairings playing in the Orsett regional final include: Matt Deal and Hernant Sethia (a) (Hendon), Lee Scarbrow and Tony Newman (a) (John O’Gaunt), Chris Goddard and Geoff Kirwan (a) (Romford) and Chris Baron and Alan Field (a) (West Essex).