A well-travelled amateur golfer is poised for a new stamp in his passport after winning an all expenses paid trip to Turkey in Europe's largest pro-am.
Colchester-based Ian Cottee, a manager with a leading book distributor, took a leaf out the professional's book to ensure he and Five Lakes pro Gary Carter claimed victory in the regional final of the Virgin Atlantic PGA National Pro-Am Championship at Kings Lynn.
Cottee, who plays off 10, plundered a nett eagle at the 11th and a birdie on 17, which ensured the duo won on countback from Canons Brook pro Alan McGinn and partner Ollie O'Hara after the teams tied on seven-under-par 65.
The Five Lakes duo were only one under at the turn, but with former England amateur Carter also claiming an eagle at 10 and birdie at 14, they were always in the box seat with just eight teams to come home from a field of more than 50.
"When Ian got his eagle at 11 after mine at 10, that was when I thought we were in with a chance," said Carter, who has been encouraged by his Five Lakes employers to play more.
"Ian did a lot of the damage and thankfully he listened to me at the 17th when he put his tee shot into the trees. Like any amateur, he wanted to take it on. I told him to play out, which he did before landing his next shot three foot from the pin.
"I can't ask for anything more and to get the chance to play in the grand final at the end of the year is certainly one of the highlights of my career.
"The hotel wanted me to play more so I've been practising hard since February. It's paid off because I think this is the ninth time I've played in this and never had a sniff."
Cottee, who has played plenty of overseas golf particularly in the United States and Dubai, is eager to sample one of Europe's hottest golf destinations.
"This is an absolutely awesome experience because I never expected anything like this," said the married father of two.
"I've played all over the world but I've never been to Turkey."
Reflecting on his crucial birdie two from home, Cottee explained that he wasn't going to ignore Carter a second time.
"I'd had a putt earlier in the round which I thought was going left to right but Gary said it was the other way," he said.
"I went with my instinct and missed and so I thought next time I'll listen to my pro, which I did."
The duo will be one 16 teams competing in the grand final from December 6-10. The 36-hole final, which carries a £30,000 professional prize fund, will be played over the PGA Sultan Course at Antalya Golf Club. Competitors will also stay at the five star Sirene Beach and Hotel resort.
This is the 25th staging of the PGA National Pro-Am, which attracts more than 100,000 entrants from across Great Britain and Ireland, is being sponsored by the country's long haul specialists Virgin Atlantic for the first time.
28 May, 2009