Salisbury flying high ahead of PGA Play-Offs

Three Rivers assistant professional David Salisbury admitted the birth of his first child has given him extra motivation to succeed at this month’s season-ending PGA Play-Offs in Turkey.

The 37-year-old from Essex, who will head to Antalya Golf Club as part of a 25-strong field on November 27-30, has had quite a year since deciding to enrol on The PGA’s Foundation Degree Programme little over 12 months ago.

Focal to that was the moment he and his wife gave birth to a baby boy earlier this summer after the pair had endured a 10-year spell trying to start a family.

Up for grabs over the PGA Sultan Course is a £15,000 prize fund and multiple starts in European and Challenge Tour events including 10 spots in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May.

“If you look at it from the outset this has been an incredible 12 months which I don’t think I could ever have expected,” enthused Salisbury, who played on the satellite tours before beginning his PGA training.

“My wife and I have wanted children for ten years now, but it hasn’t been easy for us. The feeling when it finally happened earlier this year was incredible.

“Being a father has given me a bit of extra motivation to succeed, you want to be there to provide for your family and your son.

“I have to admit there was a time when I was getting zero sleep, and both me and my wife were worried it might end my chances of getting a place in the Play-Offs this year.

“But I pulled it out of the bag in the end and now I can’t wait to get over to Turkey.”

If Salisbury is to claim honours on the Mediterranean coast he will have to see off the challenge from seasoned campaigners including Windermere’s Simon Edwards, Greig Hutcheon (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre) and PGA Cup player Gareth Wright (West Linton).

“I know there’s going to be some serious competition, guys like Matt Cort and Guy Woodman who I know from years ago - it will be good to catch up with them again,” he said.

“But I’m confident and feel I’m more than capable of being among the leaders if I can play to the best of my ability.”