Wootton eyes Wentworth target

He’s tasted the highs of playing in the Open Championship, now Adam Wootton is aiming to seize another chance to play in the limelight at the PGA Play-Offs at the Devon links of Saunton from October 24-27.

A top ten finish there will earn him a spot in next year’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth while if he manages to win or come second he will play in the British Masters at Close House.

The Oxford Golf Centre golfer, who played in the Open at Royal St George’s in 2011, juggles his coaching commitments with his playing ambitions which received another boost this year when he topped the Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit.

As a result Wootton spearheads a quartet of South Region pros competing in the 72-hole tournament in Devon which carries a £15,000 prize fund. He’s joined by Surrey’s Chris Gane (Left Handed Golf at Silvermere) and Hampshire’s James Ablett (Lee-on-the-Solent) who finished second and third respectively in the Order of Merit.

Andy Raitt, from Surrey’s St George’s Hill club, will also feature in the 24-man field in Saunton courtesy of his runner up spot in the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship at The Oxfordshire in August.

At 47 the seasoned Raitt has plenty of previous tour experience but Wootton is still looking to make the breakthrough as a tour regular. Reaching the Play-Offs though is a good start.

“It was always one of my goals to get into the top three of the Order of Merit as it opens other opportunities,” said Wootton.

“I went to Tour School in September but had a bad third round and knocked myself out of it. That was a disappointment as that was one of my targets – to get on the Challenge Tour.

“The Play-Offs is good however as if you do well it gives you opportunities to get into a few tournaments.”

Wootton divides his time between competing in pro-ams and teaching which he admits can be tricky in pursuit of his playing goals.

“I enjoy teaching but I’ve always wanted to see how far I can go on the playing side. The way the PGA events are run, every year you have got the chance of reaching the Play-Offs so I will be balancing that and coaching for the next five years.”

Taking his playing to the next level is Wootton’s aim and something he is working hard on.

“I think in reality it is doing it at the right time, playing your best golf when you need to. It’s always nice shooting eight under in a pro-am but it’s better trying to shoot that score when it really matters.”

Finding his best form for Saunton’s testing East course links is Wootton’s immediate priority if he is to earn himself a place at Wentworth next year. An added bonus is also qualification for next year’s Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup team to face the United States at Foxhills Club & Resort next September.