PGA NATIONAL TO HOST 2011 GLENMUIR FINAL

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE PGA
The Belfry’s highly-rated PGA National Course will take centre stage next year when it hosts the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship.
More than a decade after staging two European Senior Tour events, leading players from across the UK and overseas will again be in action on the course as they contest the £90,000 72-hole tournament from June 14-17.
Designed by Dave Thomas, the inland links style course that features steep, cavernous bunkers and undulating greens has established a growing reputation alongside The Brabazon, its more famous sister that has staged four Ryder Cups and the 1985 Glenmuir tournament.
Defending champion David Mortimer is expected to be among the competitors following his victory over David Shacklady in a memorable play-off at The Oxfordshire in August.
In addition, more than 650 PGA pros will battle it out across eight regional qualifiers to land one of the 156 starting spots.
The 2011 tournament, which carries a £10,000 first prize will also have a major bearing on determining the make up the 2011 Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup team to take on their American counterparts in California next September.
Furthermore it will hold added significance for the Belfry-based PGA because the course was the first to bear the PGA brand.
PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said: “The Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship is the most sought after PGA title for many of our members and I’m particularly proud to see it being contested over a PGA branded course at our headquarters.
“We have witnessed some terrific tournaments down the years at many of the country’s best venues and the PGA National at The Belfry is no exception.
“I’m confident the players will find another testing but rewarding challenge. What’s more, with a place in the Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup team at stake, the stage is set for another memorable championship and we look forward to a successful week.”
Gary Silcock, The Belfry’s director of golf, echoed those sentiments and believes significant improvements over the past five years have given the par 72, 7,053 yards long course more bite.
He said: “Over the last five years we have changed course conditions to go with the ‘inland links’ feel of the design with fast firm greens, long brown whispy rough, gorse and firm fairways that, compared to The Brabazon, give you an extra 20 yards roll.
“All our three courses here offer something very different in length, design and playability and the wind can be a key factor at the PGA National.
“Kenny MacKay, our director of courses, always has a spark-in-his-eye when talking about the PGA National. He is very proud of how he has improved the playability of the course in keeping with the design and sometimes gets more excited about the PGA National than The Brabazon.”
Glenmuir managing director Colin Mee, added: "I'm delighted the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship is being staged at The Belfry for only the second time in the event's 29-year history.
"As preferred supplier to the European Ryder Cup Team since 1987, we've enjoyed many happy occasions there over the years and The Belfry’s PGA National course will be a fitting backdrop for this prestigious final.
“I hope the prospect of staying and playing at this iconic venue will spur even more players to enter the Championship this year."