Low Laithes duo set for ‘amazing’ Portugal trip

Low Laithes Golf Club duo Adrian Ambler and Simon Matthews have a chance of winning Europe’s biggest pro-am when they compete in the grand final of the Lombard Trophy in sunny Portugal this week.

Head PGA Professional Ambler and amateur Matthews will go head-to-head with 14 other clubs in the 36-hole showdown in the Algarve.

More than 700 clubs entered the popular PGA National Pro-Am Championship which reaches its climax at Pestana’s stunning Vila Sol Golf & Resort Hotel on the Algarve from September 21-22.

Ambler and Matthews clinched their spot in Portugal after winning their regional qualifier at Moortown Golf Club back in June thanks to a six-under par 65, which also earned them £450.

“To have qualified for Portugal is amazing,” said Matthews. “I didn’t understand the enormity of the event until I began to find out more information about it and the closer it gets the more excited I become.

“Playing in the qualifying event was the highest level I had played at and to win it on my birthday at a course I’d always want to play, that was very special.

“I’m playing okay at the moment and I feel I’ve been hitting the ball well. To win the event would be amazing.

“The interesting thing is that there’s 14 teams playing over two days instead of over 100 hundred, so everyone will be fancying their chances. I’m trying not to think about it too much but I’d be delighted if we won it.”

Ambler added: “I’m really looking forward to getting a bit of warmth, a bit of sun and playing some good golf. We’re in it to try and compete so I think we’ve got as good a chance as anyone.

“Simon was an 11 handicap at the beginning of the event and now he’s down to ten so he’s a good player. He’s found a bit of form at the right time so fingers crossed that continues in Portugal.”