Ronnie is ready to rock Gleneagles in Lombard Trophy

Lee Park Golf Club’s Ronnie Singleton says he ‘feels like Elvis Presley’ as he prepares for the final of The Lombard Trophy at Gleneagles early next month.

The retired bus driver teams up with head PGA Professional Chris Crowder in the £43,600 grand final of the PGA National Pro-Am Championship which will be staged over the Ryder Cup course from September 3-4.

The duo will be taking on 15 other clubs from across the UK over 36 holes with the winning professional pocketing a £12,000 first prize.

Liverpool-based Singleton (pictured on left) is relishing the prospect of competing in a national final and says his appearance has attracted plenty of local attention.

Singleton, aged 71, said: “I think this is what they call my 15 minutes fame!

“The reaction to me and Chris getting to Gleneagles has been amazing.

“I feel a bit like Elvis Presley at the moment because so many people want to know about it.

“I’ve talked about it with the local papers and been on Radio Merseyside.”

Singleton, who plays off a handicap of 18, admits this is the biggest event he has ever been involved in.

He said: “I’ve had a few holes in one in my time.

“But this tops all that, the chance to play at the Ryder Cup venue is fantastic.

“And I’m preparing for it as best I can.

“If you were in my living room at the moment, you’d see videos of Curtis Strange and Jack Nicklaus – not to mention a Ben Hogan book!

“And I play a few holes at the club whenever possible.

“This event is a big deal, and I didn’t realise how big a deal until I got to the final.”

Singleton’s professional partner Crowder will be playing in the event for the second time in his career.

He added: “Ronnie’s very well known at the club, but he’s been the talk of the place since we got to the final.

“It’s something that’s really raised the profile of Lee Park in this area and it’ll do the club a lot of good.”