TGI finalises Ashworth Cup team

TGI Golf is hoping experience will see them win back the Ashworth Cup from Foremost during the rivals annual golf match. The event, which sees the two groups contest a Ryder Cup style event over two days, will this year take place at The Belfry from 24 to 26 August, with TGI Golf looking to win back the trophy after losing at Gleneagles last year. It promises to be an exciting match with TGI leading three to two overall.

Following four qualifying events and four picks by this year’s TGI Golf captain Carl Bianco (pictured) from Woking Golf Club, there are just two newcomers to the matches in the form of Chris Morris (Kingsknowe), who secured his place by finishing second at a qualifier at Montrose Golf Club, and captain’s pick Adrian Ambler (Low Laithes).

Stephen Hamill (Lisburn) and Brendan McGovern (Headfort) will both make their fourth appearances in the Ashworth Cup after securing the top two places in the Irish qualifier held at McGovern’s home course. Gordon Cattrell (Middlesbrough) who will also be making his fourth appearance, qualified via a qualifier at Clitheroe Golf Club, along with Michael Nesbit (Westerhope) who will be making his third appearance at the event.

Another making his fourth appearance is Shipley’s Nathan Stead, who qualified for the team at skipper Bianco’s home course Woking. Stead finished ahead of John Lines (GolfSupport) who will be making his second appearance. Stuart Williamson (Clydeway) is the final qualifier, who topped the leaderboard at Montrose and will be making his second appearance.

Completing the team are the three other captain’s picks: Chris Gray (Cottingham Parks), Robert Giles (Greenore) and Paul Walker (Knott End) who have all experienced the Ashworth Cup before. Scotcraig Golf Club’s Craig Mackie will be TGI Golf’s travelling reserve.

Bianco commented, “Our team is extremely strong this year and the level of experience is a real bonus. We have 30 appearances between us, so everyone knows what the event is all about, what is expected and what is at stake. It’s been fantastic to meet so many fellow partners throughout the qualification period. The welcome I have received at these events has been overwhelming and the standard of golf has been very encouraging.” More at: www.tgigolf.com