Star coach eyes Fourball triumph

A coach to some of Britain’s brightest PGA Professionals, Ben Clayton is now looking for his own slice of glory.

The 35-year-old Hindhead PGA Professional has tutored players including PGA Cup players Jon Barnes and Richard Wallis, the latter of whom claimed headlines earlier this year when he set the world record for the lowest professional golf score.

Yet Clayton will set off to the Golfbreaks.com PGA Fourball Championship final at St Mellion on August 20-22 with his eyes firmly set on a success of his own.

He will team up with Craig Sutherland (Cherry Lodge) for the £33,250 BMW-supported final. Friends of more than 20 years, the duo regularly make time to play golf together to this day.

Clayton played in the event last year at Forest Pines, finishing tenth alongside Clifford Gough (West Hill).

Yet he believes he and Sutherland have what it takes this year to go one step further and challenge the leaders.

“We’re both looking forward to it,” he said, “we maybe should have practiced a little bit more over the last few weeks, but I’m confident we can do well.

“We both play regularly, and that has been something that I’ve really focused on personally this year.

“I feel we’re a strong team and we’re helped that Craig hits it absolutely miles!

“He’s a very strong, aggressive player but also an upbeat character – you’d be amazed how much that helps when you’re out there in the middle of your round.”

Clayton feels the duo will be able to make the most of the St Mellion course, which has hosted multiple prestigious events including the English Seniors Open twice.

“Obviously it’s a great venue, very difficult to play but I don’t see why we shouldn’t be able to compete there.

“It’s hosted some big events through the years and it will be great to get the opportunity to play there in the Fourball.”

Other players from the south region competing in the final include Mark Treleaven (Hayling) and Jonathan Barnes (Oak Park), Jordan Godwin (Barnehurst) and Ben Daniels (Horton Park), Craig Cowper (Surrey Downs) and Neil Reilly (N. Reilly Golf Consultant) and Graham Thatcher and Kieran Staunton (Woodcote Park).