Trainor targets McIlroy scalp again

Suffolk’s Barrie Trainor has the opportunity to upstage world No.2 Rory McIlroy for the second time in his career when the pair line up next week’s flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Trainor, recently installed as the head professional at Old Joe’s Golf Club in Cornard Tye having crossed over from his native Ireland, has the distinction of having beaten McIlroy in a scratch match play event back in 2006.

McIlroy, along with the rest of his victorious 2012 Ryder Cup team mates, will be at Wentworth during May 23-26 gunning for glory in the €4,750,000 event, while 31-year-old former Irish No 1 Trainor is back for the second successive year, seeking to improve on last year’s showing.

Trainor, originally from Warrenpoint, will be joined by former East No 1 Jason Levermore, who will be making his fourth appearance in the event.

Levermore last played the blue riband tournament in 2011, which saw him finish in a share of 50th spot, securing a pay-day of almost €20,000 – his biggest on the European Tour.

The pair booked their places at the Surrey showpiece after finishing in the top 10 at the end-of-season Titleist PGA Play-Offs in Turkey last December.

A host of other PGA pros will be in action down at Wentworth but outside of the ropes and on the practice range where the likes of PGA Master Professionals Pete Cowen and Denis Pugh will be keeping a watchful eye over their players.