South region takes off with Virgin Atlantic

The PGA in England (South) will again be supported by Virgin Atlantic in 2018 with PGA Professionals competing in six events across the region to earn a slice of a prize fund worth in excess of £80,000.

The new season opens with the PGA Southern Open Championship at Cooden Beach, Sussex, from June 18-19. Exempt players will be joined by 60 qualifiers who come through ‘Q’ schools at Sand Martins, Mid-Kent and Kingswood.

Cuddington is the venue for this year’s PGA Surrey Open on July 9-10 before a return to Prince’s the following month for the PGA Kent Open Championship over the newly re-imagined Himalayas-Shore course.

Kings Hill will host the CK Group supported PGA Southern Professional Championship in early September before the Keith MacDonald PGA South Match Play Finals Day is held at The Berkshire.

The season finishes once again with the PGA Farnham Finale from October 4-5, which will wrap up the Order of Merit for another year.

All six events form the highlights of the PGA South tournament schedule, which also features popular pro-ams at West Hill, Dartford, Hayling, Cuddington, and the Nelson Trophy at St George’s Hill.

Another major attraction in the 2018 calendar is the Westcoast Pro-Am at Bearwood Lakes, which boasts the largest winner’s cheque of £5,555 in one-day professional golf in the UK.

Jimmy Rowan, Virgin Atlantic’s Manager, Partnership Development - Sport, commented: “Virgin Atlantic and The PGA enjoy a great relationship.

“Supporting professional sport is not only great for us, it’s great for helping our base region develop its terrific golf schedule.

“We are also delighted to provide member benefits to all PGA Professionals through our exclusive sports fares network of special rates across all of our Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines® routes.”

Sam Smith, regional manager for the PGA in England (South) region, added: “We’re very fortunate to have a strong and supportive relationship with one of the world’s top brands.

“Virgin Atlantic’s support has enabled us to develop yet another great schedule and some great opportunities, both on and off the course, for all our PGA Members.”

To view a full schedule of events for the PGA in England (South) region click here.