Tyneside duo make stunning debut in Pro-Captain Challenge

Tyneside Golf Club duo David Cockland and Gary Vickers booked their place in the Golfplan Insurance PGA Pro-Captain Challenge in Turkey at the first attempt.

The Newcastle Upon Tyne club duo carded an eight-under-par round of 63 to win by two shots ahead of north east neighbours Westerhope.

The two sets of players were drawn together, meaning they battled head-to-head for the top prize in the qualifier held at Huddersfield Golf Club.

But it was club captain Cockland (pictured on left) and PGA Professional Vickers (right) who will go to the £25,000 final supported by Canopius, over the PGA Sultan course at Antalya Golf Club, Turkey, from November 26-27.

Tyneside may be the oldest inland club in the north east of England, having been founded in 1879, but it was the first time they had entered this competition.

And they marked their debut in style.

“There was no real pressure on us,” said Cockland, 60, who has been a Tyneside member for 15 years.

“I hadn’t had the pleasure of playing with our Professional, so I suggested we took part.

“It was in for a penny, in for a pound, and we ended up winning it, it was a fabulous day.

“But I have to say we were spurred on by the Westerhope pair who were playing alongside us.

“It certainly makes you keep your head up when you’re both going for the win.”

Cockland, a sales manager who plays off a handicap of nine, admitted it was a good decision to get involved in the competition.

“I can’t remember anyone from Tyneside getting to one of the PGA finals before,” he added.

“We only had one fright, at the 18th. Gary played really well.”

Vickers, who worked for four years as a teaching professional in Switzerland before coming to Newcastle, said Huddersfield held good memories for him.

“I used to play here a lot,” he said.

“I have a real heart for it, it’s an excellent course and the greens were superb.

“David putted well and we had the edge when things were getting quite close at the top. We started well and held on to the lead.

“I’ve never made it to this final before and I’m looking forward to getting out to Turkey.”