Patterson has tough acts to follow

Michael Patterson is hoping to continue Kilmacolm Golf Club's impressive pedigree when he tees off at the Powerade PGA Assistants' Championship Scottish qualifier.

Patterson made a 10 hour trip to East Sussex National for last year’s final where he had a top 25 finish and is aiming to qualify again on May 13 at Auchterarder.

He will be hoping to make it to the FootJoy-supported final which will be held on August 7-9 at Coventry Golf Club and carries a prize fund of £32,500.

And Patterson, who has recently graduated through the PGA’s three year foundation degree, says he has a lot to live up to.

“Kilmacolm is a great club with a reputation for producing Scottish internationals,” said the 25-year-old.

“We have players such as Eilidh Briggs, Matt Clark, Megan Briggs, Colin Christy and Andrew Farmer who have all represented their country so it’s a tremendous pedigree to have here.”

But Patterson admits he is about to step out and see where his golf career takes him after finishing his PGA course.

“I’ll still be based at Kilmacolm but I’ll be playing more and seeing where the game can take me,” he added.

“I would hate it in 20 years’ time if I looked back and didn’t take the chance to see how good I can be.

“I have sponsors backing me which means I can play this year and hopefully I can do well.”

For now, Patterson wants another shot at the PGA Assistants’ Championship - and knows the Midlands venue for the final will suit players north of the border – not least because of its location.

“I loved playing at East Sussex which was an excellent venue but if I can make it to Coventry then the journey will be a lot easier.”

Other Scots players set to appear at Auchterarder include Iain Dean (Murrayfield Golf Club), Joseph McBrearty (Haggs Castle Golf Club), Julie Otto (Elie Sports Centre), Riccardo Scarafile (Eastwood Golf Club) and Christian MacLeod (Loch Ness Golf Club).