Winer hoping to toast return to final

Jack Winer aims to make the most of his appearance in this year's Galvin Green PGA Assistants' Championship as he faces a disrupted season.

Second year assistant Winer has been told he must serve jury duty in June and that will rule him out of Open qualifying, then two East region events.

So his Assistants' Championship East qualifying round at Aldwickbury Park in Harpenden on May 15 will take on added significance.

The 28-year-old, representing Abridge Golf Club near Chigwell in Essex, finished seventh in last year's final after winning the qualifying event.

And he will be aiming to book his return to the reach the £32,000 showpiece event which is being held at Coxmoor Golf Club in Nottinghamshire between August 2-4.

"Unfortunately, I've been called out on jury service this year which means I miss out on three events," explained Winer.

"I'm a bit gutted as last year was my first proper season on the East region. But it's something you have to do. I have to be available for two weeks from mid June.

"I've deferred it once already so I could play in the Galvin Green final last year, I cancelled it then did well in the final at Little Aston.  This one I have to do though."

Winer wants an improvement at Coxmoor if he can reach the final again.

"I'd like to do as well if not better," he said.

"I'm working well with my coach Paul Holland.

"The start of the year's been good, a couple of top fives and a top 10s, I also played for the PGA East region against Essex Amateurs.

"But, like last year, I made sure my priority was to make sure my studies went well and they have done, now I'm waiting for my year two results to come through in July. If all goes well I'll be fully qualified in just under a year's time.

"It's all about getting the balance right between studying and playing. I'm not the most academic person but now the season's here I'm going strong again. I prioritised the playing side of golf once my exams are done.

"Apart from the jury service I'm looking forward to the season. If I get to the final it'll be hard to put top Little Aston which is one of the better courses I've ever played at."

Other assistants due to take play at Aldwickbury Park include: Nicholas Cairns (Swaffham Golf Club); Thomas Davies (The Shire London); Morgan Thompson (Royal Norwich Golf Club); Luke Wheeler-Bailey (Royston Golf Club); Ben Jones (Bedford & County Golf Club) and Carl Morfoot (Verulam Golf Club).