Winer seals perfect birthday present at Ely

Jack Winer celebrated his 30th birthday in style by winning the PGA Assistants' Championship East qualifying event at Ely City Golf Club.

The Abridge Golf Club final year assistant carded an impressive three under par round of 69 at the Cambridgeshire venue.

But he only won by one shot ahead of Hendon Golf Club’s Luke Goddaard.

They now go on to the £32,000, Birdietime-supported, grand final which will be played at Farleigh Golf Club in Surrey between July 3-5.

It was an ideal day for Winer who returns to the final after his 11th place finish in last year’s final at Coxmoor Golf Club in Nottinghamshire.

This is set to be the Romford player’s last appearance in the event after completing his PGA exams.

“It was a good day all round, I won at Ely then went out with my girlfriend in the evening to celebrate,” said Winer.

“She also spent the whole day with me and was on the bag as well during the competition. But regardless of how I played, it was always going to be a nice day.

“I’ve qualified for each of the finals and won the qualifying round two years ago as well, so it’s nice to do that and to get another win.

“Every Assistants’ Championship I’ve ever entered has been such a big event so it’s always good to take part - especially as this is my last year assuming my exams have gone well.”

Winer admits he does not know the Farleigh course at all - and will be looking to his boss, Abridge PGA professional Jason MacNiven, for advice.

“He’s a Surrey lad and says it’s quite a nice course and there are two or three good ones around that area,” he added.

“But he says it’s also quite tricky and I’m looking forward to the final now.

“At Ely,  I kept the ball in play, didn’t bite off more than I could chew, and it came up trumps. I had a decent back nine on a course that was quite difficult over the course  of the day.”