Crow Wood fly flag for Scotland in Staysure Trophy final

Crow Wood Golf Club PGA Professional Ian Graham and his amateur partner Neil Keir will fly the flag for Scotland in the final of the  Staysure Trophy. The pair from Muirhead, Glasgow posted 44 Stableford pts in the PGA Scotland qualifier at Montrose Golf Links to book their place in the final of the  competition that, sponsored by Staysure, the insurance specialists for over-50s, features a PGA pro playing in tandem with a senior amateur golfer. The final at the London Golf Club in Kent carries a £30,000 prize  fund with £7,500 going to the winner and Keir, who plays off 18, will prepare for it by having some coaching from his partner However, the 62-year-old is hoping he is more receptive to  Graham’s advice than he was before the qualifier. “Ian gave me a lesson on Monday,” Keir admitted, “but by the time I got to the qualifier on Friday I’d forgotten everything he told me! “It’s was the first time I’ve ever played with him and the secret of our success was down to him.  It was nothing to do with me. He did all the work and I could have played a bit better.” Examination of the scorecard which tells the numerical story as to  how Crow Wood finished a point clear of Forester Park Golf  Resort He chipped in with pars at three holes for nett birdies and admitted: “That got us extra points and had I not got those we wouldn’t have won – I was delighted with that.” In total, Crow Wood posted eight birdies and did not drop a shot in a round that Keir admitted taxed his nerves at the start. He added: “I didn’t start playing until I was about 48. I’m 62 now and  really enjoy it but this was a totally new experience. “Standing on the first tee and hearing my announced by the starter was really unnerving,” he added. “But now I can’t stop smiling. I think the smile on my face will still be there until we tee off in the final - it’s a once in a lifetime thing and I’m really looking forward to it.” https://pgagbi.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/pgagbi19/event/ pgagbi19419/contest/1/leaderboard.htm Image of Crow Wood Golf Club duo, PGA Professional Ian Graham (left) and amateur  Neil Keir