Wootton targets Powerade boost

An Oxfordshire golfer who showcased his skills at the Open two years ago is hoping to pursue a playing career via the PGA route.

Adam Wootton from Oxford Golf Centre was a rookie at Royal St George's and ended up playing a practice round with Ernie Els.

The 25-year-old is in the middle of qualifying as a PGA Professional with a number of coaching and playing opportunities and will aim to demonstrate his playing prowess when he tees up in the regional qualifier for the Powerade PGA Assistants’ Championship at Laleham Golf Club on May 13.

Wootton is bidding to book a return to the final which is supported by FootJoy and carries a £32,000 prize fund and will be staged at Coventry Golf Club over 54-holes from August 7-9.

While his Open experiences carry fond memories, Wootton is under no illusions as to the hard work required to keep his playing career heading in the right direction.

“The Open was a great experience for me, I was spending a week with the top professionals and it was taste of the life that I want,” he said.

“I really hoped to use that and kick on from there but things haven’t quite gone as I wanted since then.”

Wootton was fifth in the Powerade final last year and hopes some intensive short game practice will pay dividends with a higher placed finish.

“I was fifth in the final last year which I was pleased with in one way and not in another,” he added.

“I had two rounds of 74 to start with - but I finished with a 69 so I was disappointed that I couldn’t have done that earlier.

“I’m aiming to get back there again this year and maybe improve on fifth place. I’ve been working on my putting and short game this winter.”

The third year assistant believes the PGA’s three-year Foundation Degree in Professional Golf, which he must complete to earn qualification as a PGA professional, is setting him up for the future.

“It’s prepared me for teaching and playing although playing is still the main aim for me so that’s what I’m looking at.

“The Oxford Golf Centre is the best of its kind in the area, our facilities are up to date and we’re improving all the time.

“We get a lot of experienced players down here in the week and also get a lot of beginners, particularly at weekends.

‘It’s run by Mark Walker who’s my boss, but he caddies for me as well and we have a good working relationship.”