Windermere duo hope to pass Turkey test

University lecturer Ian Gordon is hoping to return from the Golfplan Insurance PGA Pro-Captain Challenge in Turkey with first class honours.

Windermere Golf Club captain Gordon (right) joins PGA Professional Simon Edwards (left) for the £25,000 final, supported by Canopius, which is being held over the PGA Sultan course at Antalya Golf Club from November 21-22.

Kendal-based Gordon is hoping that Edwards’s experience as a PGA Cup player and Open Championship qualifier will help the Cumbrian pair to victory, and he admits the duo will arrive in good form.

‘We’ve played in around 15 pro-captain events this year and are so far unbeaten,” said Gordon.

“Most of that is down to Simon of course but I’d like to think the one per cent I contribute makes a difference.

“It’s a prestige event, but I stand up and lecture to 200 students in my job so I’d like to think I can cope with any pressure.”

Gordon, 60, who plays off a handicap of 13, also intends to go to Turkey with a winning mentality.

He added: “I go into every game of golf thinking I’m going to win and this will be no different - sometimes that feeling lasts right up to the third hole!

“But seriously, Simon is an excellent professional and the ideal playing partner for something like this.

“He’s very relaxed, takes time to look after the amateur and is a good golf teacher.”

The experienced Edwards won the Kempinski Dome Pro-Am at the PGA Sultan course last year and says the secret of preparing for an event like this is to change nothing.

“There’s no game plan as such, I’ll be taking Ian down to London for a drink and a Chinese meal, we’ll get on the plane and talk about it then,” said Edwards.

“I’m not one for over-thinking things, it’s all about going out and doing what you do best.

“I’ve played the PGA Sultan before and it is a world class course. I shall do my best to talk Ian around it, but if we drive the ball well and putt well, then we can win.

“I won at this venue last year, but it’s the first time I’ve played this particular final and I’m looking forward to it because I think there are some good players here. It should be very close.”

New sponsor Golfplan is backing the tournament to raise its profile in clubs and make golfers aware of its comprehensive insurance product.

The product  includes replacing stolen clubs with brand new equipment, liability cover in case a wayward shot damages someone or something and can even cover your bar bill if you manage a hole in one!

Roger Harvey, managing director of the Bristol-based firm, commented: “We’re looking forward to our first grand final and wish all the finalists the best of luck.

“The final in Turkey caps a great first year of sponsoring the event in which we’ve seen some fantastic golf and also been able to highlight our comprehensive insurance product which is aimed at golfers seeking unrivalled cover.”