Sanford to turn clock back at Thetford

Prison officer Ross Sanford will be rubbing shoulders with the professionals once more when he takes part in the Lombard Trophy regional final at Thetford Golf Club.

Sanford will be partnering host professional Stuart Smith (above) for the national pro-am event which takes place at the Norfolk venue on Wednesday, July 13.

They will be hoping to secure a place in the £41,500 grand final. The Lombard sponsored tournament, supported by Coca Cola is being held at the beautiful Pestana Golf Resort in Vila Sol from September 22-23.

Sanford was a professional golfer before he decided on a change of career.

But now the four handicapper admits he is relishing the prospect of playing alongside PGA pros at his home course.

“I’m really looking forward to it, by co-incidence, also playing in our group is Tony Varney who used to coach me,” said Sanford.

“He’s well known in East Anglia and a nice guy so it’ll be good to see him again along with a lot of the pros I remember from those days.

“I turned pro at 18 and did my PGA training, but I struggled and went into the building trade before becoming a prison officer.

“I gave up golf for quite a few years but now I’ve got the bug back again.”

His partner Smith is a renowned coach who has also invented a number of training aids, a style of hybrid golf clubs and also penned Seven Steps to Heavenly Chipping – a book that focuses on golf’s short game.

The 43 year old says Thetford, which is a classic James Braid design, will provide a tough test for anyone hoping to book a trip to Portugal.

“It’s tree-lined and very long. And there’s a lot of rough under the trees. It’s tough and the winner will have deserved their place in the final,” he said.

“But I think it’s one of the best inland courses in East Anglia. It’ll certainly challenge the players but we’re pleased to be hosting such a prestige event here.”

Among the professional and amateur players also taking part at Thetford are Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup winner Jason Levermore  and Paul Castle (Channels Golf Club);  Robert Joyce and Daren Cloud (Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club);  Lee Scarbrow and Mark Tyler (John O'Gaunt Golf Club); James Weight and Joshua Ring (Kings Lynn Golf Club)  and Alex Oldham  and Robert Henshaw (March Golf Club).