Yorkshire’s finest set for Gleneagles date

A pair of South Yorkshire golfers are aiming to claim their own slice of glory at Gleneagles, just three weeks before the Ryder Cup is staged at the venue.

Owston Hall PGA Professional Jason Laszkowicz (left) and his amateur partner Andy Geddes (right) will tee off over the resort’s King’s Course in the £43,600 Lombard Trophy grand final.

The duo will go into the event riding the crest of a wave after a one-shot lead in the regional final at Fulford gave them the chance to represent the Doncaster club in the final for the first time.

The betterball championship, which is the largest pro-am event in Europe, has so far welcomed more than 700 teams to 16 regional finals around the British Isles.

And Laszkowicz feels both men have what it takes to overcome their remaining rivals and claim victory.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be in the final,” Laszkowicz explained. “At the moment I’d say we’re confident without being arrogant.

“I think the key to getting here has been that we suit each and we enjoy the format too – I guess we can both be erratic which makes betterball ideal.

“But the main thing is we want to both go over there and enjoy it – I’ve visited Gleneagles before and it is first class.

“I’ll also be returning to watch the Ryder Cup so hopefully I can go back there having had a little bit of success myself.”

Laszkowicz reflected on the opportunity ahead of his amateur partner Geddes. An electrician by trade, the 11-handicapper has played at Owston Hall for the last six years.

“Andy was buzzing to make it through to the final,” he explained. “Although I think the magnitude of the competition he’s playing in has only just started to hit him.

“He’s a strong character though and won’t be fazed by what’s going on around him – it’ll just be a case of meeting him regularly between now and the event and trying to work on the psychological aspect of things.

“But I’m sure he’ll be dangerous and will go out and have a really good go – and if we’re to have a successful week his performance will be really important.”