Winer is a winner to clinch first final

Jack Winer made sure of a final debut by winning the Galvin Green PGA Assistants’ Championship East qualifier at Purdis Heath Golf Club.

Winer, of Essex’s Abridge Golf & Country Club, is in his first year in the Assistants’ ranks after spending six years on tour.

But he took the honours at his first attempt at qualifying for the £32,000 grand final to be held at Little Aston Golf Club near Birmingham from August 3-5.

Winer carded a three under par round of 68 at the Ipswich venue which was enough to win by two shots from Philip Westley (Hintlesham Golf Club), James Webber (Three Rivers Golf & Country Club) and David Griffiths (West Herts Golf Club) who all tied for second spot and will join 14 other qualifiers in the final.

Winer, aged 27, decided to take the PGA route after playing in a variety of tour competitions abroad.

“What I wanted was a little more financial stability and the chance to get a bit more balance into my career,” he said.

“I’m keen on the coaching side, especially encouraging juniors into the game, they are the future of golf.

“So taking my PGA training allows me to do more of that. And although I’d never say no to playing regularly again, my priorities are different these days now.

“I’m not considered old but I’m in my late 20s now so I wanted to think about what I wanted to do.

“I’m really looking forward to playing at Little Aston, and it’ll be going from one excellent venue to another as I really enjoyed the Purdis Heath course.”

Winer made sure his first year’s studies were out of the way before teeing off for the qualifying event.

“I spent the winter on the PGA exams as I didn’t want them in the way when the golf season starts,” he added.

“So I was clear for this event and made sure I had a practice round although I had played there once before.

“There was a blip when I double bogeyed at the fifth, but I made six birdies so I was happy with that. The course was in great condition and I knew where not to leave myself in trouble so it went to plan.”