Short game specialist bids to chip in at Pro-Captain Challenge

A PGA pro with a reputation for short game coaching is hoping to pitch it just right at the Golfplan PGA Pro-Captain Challenge qualifier at Enville Golf Club.

Lee Bashford, head PGA Professional at Handsworth Golf Club teams up with club captain Paul Stewart in the Canopius supported regional final which takes place at the Stourbridge club on Tuesday, August 12.

Fifty clubs, each represented by their club pro and captain, will be competing for a place in the 36-hole grand final over the PGA Sultan course at Turkey’s Antalya Golf Club from November 26-27 which carries a £25,000 prize fund.

Bashford, a former Worcestershire Strokeplay champion and Warwickshire Matchplay champion, is relishing the opportunity of competing again.

“I used to play in this event every year but haven’t for the past 10 years because of concentrating on work but I’ve got back the desire to play again,” he said.

“I’d lost a bit of the buzz you get from playing but if you play well you still get that buzz and it gives you something to focus on.”

Bashford has been at Handsworth for 23 years and is playing his part in helping the renowned course get more exposure.

“We’re one of those clubs considered a hidden gem but now there is momentum to get it on the map because it is a really nice course with great practice facilities and good members,” he added.

A new general manager is on board at Handsworth while Bashford’s coaching expertise sees him look after a range of players and abilities including four junior county players and former Midland No.1 Matt Morris, who he helps with the short game.

“The short game is a part of the game often overlooked but without a good short game it is impossible to play to a reasonable level,” he said.

For now though, Bashford’s focus is firmly on the Golfplan qualifier with his club captain, a recently retired mental health nurse who has just enjoyed three weeks at the World Cup in Brazil.

“Paul plays off eight and is a good player. I think we can compete because we are both pretty straight which you have to be around Enville.”

Host pro Richard Copsey is also in action with captain Eddie Boyle while other clubs teeing it up include Sedgley, South Staffs, Walsall, Druids Heath, Chase, Little Aston and Northants County.

Douglas Young, managing director of Golfplan, added: “We are delighted to once again to be supporting this event.  We have close associations with The PGA and in 2014 Golfplan celebrates 30 years of working together with PGA Professionals.

“During this time we have been privileged to developed close relationships with PGA pros from across the UK who have given us vital support in creating our specialist golf insurance product. 

“The PGA Pro-Captain Challenge has proved to be a popular event in the golfing calendar and we wish all the entrants the very best of luck.”