Simon puts Gleneagles firmly in his sights

Hendon Golf Club amateur Simon Clifford will be hoping for 20-20 vision at Gleneagles when he tees off in the grand final of The Lombard Trophy early next month.

Clifford has just undergone laser eye surgery and expects to be fully recovered in time for the event.

He will team up with PGA Professional Matt Deal (right) for the £43,600 PGA National Pro-Am Championship which will be contested over 36-holes from September 3-4 over the PGA Centenary Course – the scene of battle for next year’s Ryder Cup.

And Clifford, aged 23 who plays off a handicap of 10, admits he hopes the eye treatment will help his game.

Barnet-based Clifford (left), who has just graduated from University in Manchester, said: “It was something I wanted to do.

“I hope it’ll help my game but it’s good just to be able to see properly. I should be able to see my ball through the trees now.

“The surgery was a success, but it’s kept me off the golf course for a few weeks.

“So I’ll need to get practising again in time for Gleneagles. I don’t know much about the history of Gleneagles but I’m really looking forward to getting there.”

Deal meanwhile will be up against a familiar face in the final in the shape of Craig Sutherland.

Sutherland is now at Kent club Cherry Lodge and won this event two years ago.

Deal said: “Craig worked for me before moving on and it’s something of a co-incidence that we’ll be playing against each other in the final.

“But it’s going to be a fantastic experience to play at Gleneagles and we’ll soon see if Simon’s eye surgery has helped his game.”

This is the first of a three year sponsorship by Lombard, the UK's leading asset finance provider.

Ian Isaac, Lombard's interim managing director, paid tribute to all 32 finalists.

“Over the past couple of months we have welcomed golfers from more than 700 clubs throughout the UK who have participated in this prestigious event and we would like to congratulate the 16 qualifying teams who have reached the grand final at Gleneagles.”