Pat gets that winning filling to seal Portugal place

From L to R: Pat Johnson with professional Ali Gray.

Retired dentist Pat Johnson crowned an impressive display with a place in the WPGA Lombard Final in Portugal.

Johnson teamed up with Ormskirk Golf Club professional Ali Gray to win the Regional Final by three shots at Dunham Forest Golf Club.

They carded an eight under par round of 64 at the Cheshire course to finish ahead of Nikki Dunn and Wendy Mitchell of Dinsdale Spa Golf Club, and Eleanor Robinson and Marise Richfield of Leeds Golf Centre.

All three teams will now play in the £7,800, Coca Cola and Pestana Resorts supported, grand final taking place at the Vila Sol resort in Portugal between September 20-21.

Rainford-based Johnson admitted it was a ‘surreal’ feeling to be heading to the Algarve after taking up golf just three years ago.

“It’s amazing, it was a bit of a nightmare to start with and I was nervous but Ali was great and very consistent,” said the 27-handicapper.

“I’m a bit of a rookie really but I made a good score at one of the holes which made me feel better.

“I’m a former hockey player and tend to play golf a bit like hockey! I’ve retired now and my husband said I needed a hobby. But now I’ve won this which is a surprise.

“Playing in the final will be very scary though - I might need therapy! But I’m really looking forward to it.”

Gray will have appeared in all three of the WPGA Lombard Trophy finals and welcomed it as a key addition to the calendar.

“We were very pleased with the way we played. I’ll be three out of three for these finals now,” she said.

“It’s fantastic for the WPGA that we get the chance to play in an event like this.

“Pat was very good, she came in when she needed to on the day.”

Dunn also returns to Portugal for the final after playing last year and finishing fifth.

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