Gaughan well prepared for final course

Callum Gaughan could be forgiven for thinking he is at a slight advantage heading into the grand final of the Lombard Trophy having recently spent a week playing at the host venue in Portugal.

The 22-year-old played the stunning Pestana Vila Sol Golf & Resort Hotel during a recent golfing holiday in the Algarve.

It turned out to be perfect timing for amateur Gaughan who will return to sunny Portugal next week along with Normanton Golf Club Head PGA Professional Scott McGovern as they bid to become the winners of the PGA National Pro-Am Championship.

Gaughan and McGovern have a chance of winning Europe’s biggest pro-am as they go head-to-head with 14 other clubs in the 36-hole showdown.

More than 700 clubs entered the popular event which reaches its climax at the Vila Sol Golf & Resort Hotel from September 21-22.

McGovern and Gaughan clinched their spot in Portugal after winning their regional qualifier at Sandiway Golf Club back in June thanks to a nine-under par 61, which also earned them £450.

“I was getting some good practice in,” Gaughan joked. “It was a golfing holiday that was booked a year ago so it’s just happened to work out really well for me.

“I think the course suits my game. We played four rounds from the back tees so you’re not going to be able to hit it any longer from there.

“It’s a very nice course and I played very well on it so I’m very confidence I can do well there again in a few weeks.

“Scott and I have been playing together most weeks now in the build up to Portugal so we’re both very confident and looking forward to it. It would be an amazing achievement if we could win it.”