Winchester amateur hoping for plain sailing at Camberley Heath

Yacht builder Robert Leach-Lewis is hoping to sail into the Lombard Trophy when he plays in the qualifying event at Camberley Heath Golf Club.

Leach-Lewis will team up with former finalist and South Winchester Golf Club PGA Professional Richard Adams, above, for the event which will take place on July 5.

They will be hoping to secure a place in the £41,500 grand final. The Lombard sponsored tournament, supported by Coca Cola, is being held at the beautiful Pestana Golf Resort in Vila Sol, Portugal, from September 22-23.

Three handicapper Leach-Lewis insists that the pair will head for the Surrey venue in optimistic mood.

“Richard’s got to the final of this event before so he’s really looking forward to it,” said Leach-Lewis.

“I’ve got my handicap down as well so I hope we can go for it.

“There’s a real sense of competition at South Winchester, we also have an amateur member here who’s playing off plus three and holds the course record.

“So there are good players here.”

Leach-Lewis says the club has a good reputation despite only being formed 23 years ago.

It is an inland links style course which was designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas.

“This is a very long course, it’s a real test for the players but it’s a great venue to play,” said Zimbabwe-born Leach-Lewis.

“But Richard’s played the Camberley Heath course before and knows it so I hope we can get him back to the final again.”

Leach-Lewis moved to Winchester from South Africa and designs the interior of yachts for buyers.

“It’s based on a Marina with quick access to the Solent. The job allows me to play Friday afternoons and the weekends. I’ve been improving. If I can get four birdies and Richard five, we’ll be happy.”

Among those also taking part in the event at Camberley Heath are host duo Stephen Speller and Nick Foley; James Green and Paul Butcher (Portsmouth Golf Course); Anthony Tarchetti and Mark Bennett (Prince’s Golf Club); Alan Harrison and Ally Strachan (Royal Eastbourne Golf Club); Julian Goodman and Dorian Nicholas (Winter Hill Golf Club); and Ian Benson and Tony Gunning (Hindhead Golf Club).