Wright counts the cost of sealing Portugal place

Whetstone Golf Club amateur Phil Wright admitted making it to the Lombard Trophy Final cost him more than he expected.

Wright and PGA Professional Craig Shave qualified for the Portugal showpiece with a dominant victory in the regional final at Sandy Lodge Golf Club in July.

They carded a 13 under par round of 58 - which included a hole in one from Wright, who works as a machine service engineer.

And on his return to the Leicester club, he discovered the drinks were on him.

“I won’t forget that hole in one, it cost me a fortune,” he smiled.

“When I got back to the club, I had to set up a tab and that was £120!

“Even two weeks after that, I had people saying they hadn’t had their drink.

“I don’t think I’ll have another hole in one, but Craig’s got it in him to shoot another five or six birdies. But I can’t imagine us having another round in Portugal like we did at Sandy Lodge.”

The Whetstone duo will be aiming to win the £41,450, Coca-Cola and Pestana Resorts supported, grand final which is being held at the Vila Sol resort in the Algarve between September 20-21.

“I never thought we’d get to the final, I thought myself and Craig would go and have a nice day’s golf, that was it, I never dreamt of anything more,” said 15-handicapper Wright.

“Now I’m really looking forward to it, I’m playing all right at the moment, and I hope I haven’t peaked too soon.

“It’s about the golf but it should just be an enjoyable trip. It’ll be good to meet like-minded people.

“I’ve checked the golf course out on the Internet and I just went ‘Wow’.

“Craig’s not been too harsh with me, he wants me to enjoy it - but making sure I turn in at around 9pm as it’s an early start.

“How good would that be if Craig turns it on over there? He is an absolutely awesome player.”