Burt insists seniors can shine in new event

David Burt says it is a ‘feather in the cap’ for Saffron Walden Golf Club as the Essex club prepares to stage the East qualifying round of the Staysure PGA Trophy.

The club’s long serving amateur player will team up with PGA Professional Rob McNicholas for the event which will be held on June 11.

And five-handicapper Burt says Saffron Walden are delighted to be chosen for a PGA qualifier.

He and McNicholas will be aiming to reach the final which is being held from July 31 to August 1 at the London Golf Club near Sevenoaks, Kent.

The pro-am competition sponsored by Staysure, the insurance specialists for over 50s, has been launched by The PGA this year and carries a £30,000 prize fund.

Cambridge-based Burt, aged 67, has been with Saffron Walden for 40 years and says this will be a landmark event for the club.

“We haven’t had any PGA qualifiers here, I remember this club when it was a nine-hole course, so this is a feather in our cap as they say,” said Burt, a retired research and development worker in the aerospace industry.

“Everyone’s looking forward to it, especially myself and Rob who asked me if I wanted to play.”

Burt s happy to see the introduction that gives senior players a chance to compete more.

“Rob’s said it’s a one off at the moment and I welcome it,” he added.

“I know that, talking to some of the players in the county, that people are recognising seniors' golf is creating more interest now than there’s ever been.

“It’s nice to see more people who retire and get a bit older, get into the game.

“I decided to retire a year early and try and make the most of life. I’m playing golf and enjoying seniors golf. There are some very good senior players out there now.

“Life doesn’t end at 55 these days, there’s always another avenue to explore.

“I spoke to Rob about the event and I think the visitors will enjoy Saffron Walden.”

Other teams playing at Saffron Walden include: Jason Levermore and Colin Day (Little Channels Golf Course); Matthew Bannister and Steve Howarth (Stevenage Golf Club); Peter Cherry and Andrew Hartley  (Ashridge Golf Club); Ryan Pudney and Steve Smart (Mundesley Golf Club);  Alan Fletcher and Craig Russell (Girton Golf Club) and  Chris Payne and Steve Pyle (Whitewebbs Park).