Return to form gives Thornton boost

A late season return to form has given Simon Thornton (Tulfarris Golf Resort) a confidence boost going into this year’s PGA Play-Offs at Walton Heath.

The 40-year-old born in Doncaster, now settled in Newcastle, Co.Down, finally clicked into gear as summer turned to autumn, collecting three victories on the PGA in Ireland circuit in September.

That strong finish saw him edge ahead of Colm Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance) into third spot on the Order of Merit and earned him a place in this year's Play-offs which run from October 30 to November 1.

“I've never been to Walton Heath, never played it before so the plan is to fly over on Sunday and get a practice round in early,” said Simon, winner of the Najeti Hotels et Golfs Open on the European Tour in June 2013.

“Then hopefully I can put three good rounds together and grab a couple of the European tour and Challenge Tour spots on offer.

“Now that the Irish Open has introduced a qualifying event the only thing to play for in terms of the Order of Merit is those top three spots. It's a great chance to book a place at Wentworth.”

It's hardly surprising that Simon – who recently signed a deal to represent Wicklow venue Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort - struggled in the early part of the season as he recovered from surgery to release trapped nerves in both feet.

Unable to stand for any length of time or walk without pain made practicing virtually impossible and even after the surgery, the healing process probably took longer than he expected.

“I think at the start of the season I was finding my feet again, excuse the pun,” he added.

“I was getting my balance back and towards the end of the season, I started playing some decent golf. And then, even those times that I didn't play decent golf. I was playing the sort of golf that I recognised, hitting lot of fairways and greens. Then, if you hole a few putts you start shooting three or four under par.

“I wouldn't say I'm back to the level I played at before the injury but it is close. If the season had been another six weeks or two months longer I might have reached that level again. Hopefully, I can do well in the playoffs, get a good winter of practice and then start next season a bit better.”

Simon will be joined in the 24 man field by PGA in Ireland OoM winner Damien McGrane and second placed finisher, David Higgins (Waterville Links). They are aiming to repeat the success of Niall Kearney who became the first Irish winner of the tournament back in 2014.

The prize fund of this year's PGA Play-offs has been increased to £25,000 and there are additional incentives: the top four will earn the right to play in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May, two places are available in the British Masters and there will be opportunities to play on the Challenge Tour.