Rastall brother go head to head in sibling battle

Howley Hall Golf Club’s Ryan Rastall admits it would be a ‘dream’ to follow in his father’s footsteps and play in the PGA Cup.

Rastall will take on his brother Tom as the Leeds-based siblings go head to head in the North East qualifying event of the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship which takes place on May 31 at Fulford Golf Club near York.

Ryan knows he faces a huge task to emulate dad Tim who represented the GB & Ireland against the USA in the 1990 PGA Cup.

But he determined to make it back to the final after getting there last year at his first attempt and playing at The Oxfordshire where he missed the cut.

And he will also be looking to do out-perform his brother.

This year’s £78,000 grand final will be held in Ireland this year at Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club near Dublin.

Rastall will play at Fulford on the day before his first anniversary of taking over as head professional at Howley Hall - although he had been working there 18 months before that.

And his brother also works at the Morley-based club, with the Rastall family steeped in the game.

“My dad turned 60 this year and has been Seniors Tour and European Tour as well as playing in the PGA Cup 27 years ago,” said Ryan.

“He’s been a very good player in his time, much better than me or Tom so far!

“But there was never any doubt that I’d follow in his footsteps as I’ve always loved golf.

“I know it’s a PGA Cup year this time - and that’s a dream for me and Tom having a dad who’s already played in the event

“I’m not the sort who’d play in The Open or anything like that. But I’d love to qualify for the PGA Cup team, for me that’s the pinnacle.

“I didn’t know whether I’d turn professional or not, but it kind of landed in my lap. I’d always felt I might go down the business route after starting off working in resorts.

“But I got more involved in the playing and coaching side. It’s all gone well from there.”

Ryan says there will be a family duel at Fulford on the day.

“He’s a much better player than me, but I get the better of him sometimes - it doesn’t generally go that way!” added Ryan.

“Tom’s a very good player. But we’ll both be playing at Fulford so let’s see what happens.”

Among those also due to take part at Fulford are: Carlo Ciullo (Hull Golf Club); George Cowan (Westerhope Golf Club); Anthony Howard (Bridlington Golf Club); Martyn Jobling (Morpeth Golf Club); Gareth Murray (Mid Yorkshire Golf Club); Nathan Stead (Shipley Golf Club) and Jason Laszkowicz (Owston Hall).