Scotsman Craig Lee turned in a dominant performance at Conwy Golf Club to win the PGA Professional Championship, claim the £10,000 first prize and secure a place in the PGA Cup team to face the USA in September.
With strong winds proving a real challenge all week at the 2021 Curtis Cup venue, Lee played some stellar links golf, opening up with a six-under-par 66 and backing that up with three solid rounds to finish at 10-under – seven shots clear of the chasing pack.
Starting the day six clear, Lee produced a steady level-par round to maintain a cushion that was never threatened. James Ruth finished second after a 72, while Lee’s countrymen Paul O’Hara and Paul McKechnie tied for third place.
One of the proudest PGA Members in the field was Matthew Parsley – who just happens to be the General Manager of Conwy GC. The Welshman finished T36 but was delighted to be combining playing and hosting duties. “As a PGA Member, this is our National Championship, so to be able to host this here at Conwy is a real honour and a privilege,” he said. “We're a championship venue, we're looking to host the best championships we can and the PGA Professional Championship is right up there.”
The qualifiers join existing team member, Toby Hunt (Whitchurch Golf Club) who qualified via the Play-Offs.
PGA Cup Captain, Tim Rouse, will soon make his three Captain’s Picks to complete his 10-man team to take on Team USA in Oregon later in the year.
Rouse said: “I’m really excited - I’ve got seven great players now, a real backbone to the team. We’re looking forward now to going to the States and battling hard against our PGA of America counterparts to bring the trophy back to Great Britain & Ireland.”
See the final PGA Professional Championship leaderboard HERE.
See all the photos from the tournament HERE.
