Toppros heading forBlair

Blairgowrie Golf Club is preparing to host the PGA Professional Championship from June 14-18.

It’s the second time in the last seven years that the highly regarded Perthshire venue has welcomed top club pros from around the UK.

Managing secretary Stuart Wilson, who recently returned from captaining the Walker Cup GB&I team which lost narrowly to the USA in Florida, is delighted that golf is showing signs of returning to normality after the impact of COVID-19.

While spectators can’t take in this year’s championship, a 148-strong field – including host pro Neil Cameron – will tee-up for the four-round event, which carries an £80,000 prize fund.

“It’s an honour to be selected again to host this prestigious event, which dates back to 1973.

“Christopher McDonnell won here in 2014, the year when the club also welcomed the Junior Ryder Cup,” said Stuart.

“I know the players are looking forward to it.”

The competition will roll out over the Lansdowne championship course, with the top 50 players making the cut for the weekend.

Past winners include Brian Barnes, David Huish, Jim Farmer and Alastair Forsyth, who took the honours two years ago.

The defending champion is Matthew Ford.

“It’s a shame our members and other golf fans can’t enjoy a close-up look at the players in action but at least things are moving in the right direction after we lost the Jacques Leglise and Vagliano events. Hopefully they can be rescheduled here in due course,” said Stuart.

“While the pros will be playing on Lansdowne, our members and guests will still be able to access Rosemount, the Wee Course and the clubhouse.”