Stevenson dreaming of Blairgowrie return
21/05/2014
For Taunton and Pickeridge’s Simon Stevenson, there has never been a better time to aim for a dream slot in the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship final.
The 41-year-old celebrates his 20th year as a pro this year, his 10th at the Somerset club, and he enters knowing that the final will be held at the club where he first discovered his love for golf, Blairgowrie.
Dundee-born Stevenson was a junior member at the Perthshire club in his youth, going on to caddy for the venue’s visiting golfers, a job that launched him into a golfing career which would see him take up roles at Gleneagles and the now Donald Trump-owned Turnberry, among others.
If he is to make it through to the final though, he must first finish among the front-runners in the west regional qualifier at Bowood on May 28.
However Stevenson is confident ahead of the event, and has already pencilled August 5-8 into his diary, the dates for the £78,700 Peugeot-supported final.
“I’m feeling positive,” he said. “It would be amazing to go back to Blairgowrie for the final after spending so much time there when I was younger, but I’m going to have to be at my best in the qualifier to make it through.
“My goal heading into the tournament is to get to the final and reach the top 20. That would be really nice, although I know it will also be a real challenge.
“But if I can make it through the qualifier and get to the final hopefully I will stand a really good chance. I know Blairgowrie well, and it’s a big year for the club as they will not just be hosting this, but the Junior Ryder Cup as well.
“It’s a beautiful course with amazing scenery, and I’m sure it will do a great job of hosting the two events.”
Matthew Eagle, UK and Eire sales director at Glenmuir, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our sponsorship of the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship, which is very well respected as the flagship event for PGA Professionals in Great Britain and Ireland.
“Once again the schedule promises to take in a number of outstanding courses, with Blairgowrie offering a fine venue for this year’s final in August, which is sure to be as intriguing as ever.”
“We look forward to another exciting tournament, and wish all the competitors the best of luck ahead of the event.”
Other golfers competing in the qualifier include: Sion Bebb (Morlais Castle), Adam Constable (Cardiff), Richard Dinsdale (Parc Golf Academy), Paul Hendriksen (Dinnaton), Robert Jackson (Machynys Peninsula) and Albert MacKenzie (Saunton).
