Michael Carrigan (left) and his professional partner, Scott Catlin, looking forward to Turkey tournament (picture by courtesy of PGA and Andy Forman).

Taxi! Catlin and Carrigan looking for smooth

ride to success in PGA pro-am in Turkey

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY PGA

A West Lothian golf pro is hoping his taxi driving partner will provide a ticket to ride as they chase glory in Europe’s biggest pro-am.Greenburn pro Scott Catlin and Michael Carrigan are taking on 15 other teams from across Great Britain and Ireland in the PGA National Pro-Am Championship in Turkey.

Carrigan, a 39-year-old cabbie from Motherwell who plays off 14, has been having some extra short game lessons, and with a £5,000 up for grabs for the winning pro, they could be some of the most valuable lessons Catlin has ever given.

“He’s had a couple of lessons with me, more chipping and putting, and if we can get that half decent we’re in with a good shot,” said Catlin.

“I think if Mick can par the par-4s that should be fine while I should be able to make birdies with the par 5s.“It’s a big event for Mick. In the qualifier he was a wee bit nervous because he’d never played in anything like it before and suddenly he was seeing his name plastered all over the leaderboard.

“But we started birdie, birdie on that day which relaxed him so if we can repeat that in Turkey he’ll be fine.”

The pair will be compete over 36 holes at Antalya Golf Club’s PGA Sultan Course and will also be enjoying an all expenses stop at the five-star Sirene Beach and Hotel Resort on the Turkish Mediterranean.

Catlin, who finished in the top 25 of the Scottish Order of Merit to earn exemption for next year, is relishing the trip, having heard rave reviews about the Turkish resort from fellow Scot Kenny Hutton (Downfield) who has qualified for the final for the second year.

“The is the first time I’ve played in a pro-am final but I spoke to Kenny Hutton who was there last year and he said it was amazing. Three or four of our members have also been out to Antalya and they said it was unbelievable,” he said.

“We’re all ready, we’ve got our matching shirts and we can’t wait. Mick’s really excited, and keeps popping into to check that everything is okay.”

The PGA National Pro-Am Championship attracts more than 100,000 entries a year from clubs across Britain and Ireland and during its 25 year history has become Europe’s biggest pro-am.