Morecambe golfer reaches regional stage on road to Dubai finals

The nine-handicapper has played in and won five rounds on his way to the next stage which will be played at Mottram Hall next week, April 14.

At stake is a place in the final being played at the world famous Els Club in Dubai.

A coveted spot in the sunshine will be a far cry from wintery rounds at Silloth, Heysham, Knott End, Penwortham and Ormskirk the venues where John played on his way to the final.

“They are great courses and provided me with the right kind of inspiration for my victories”, said John who has been a member of Morecambe Golf Club for more than 30-years.

During that time he has won many of the club’s top events and was captain of the club’s winning Lunesdale League team in 2009.

Morecambe born and bred, John attended the old Balmoral Road School where he fell under the influence of sports master Malcolm Price who inspired an interest in running and eventually golf. Ironically John has been drawn against Malcolm in the Palamountain Trophy, one of the club’s main board events, and admits it will be no cakewalk.

“Malcolm is a competitor like me so it will be a great match up. I am looking forward to the challenge of taking on an old mentor”.

But before that John will have his eyes very firmly on that Dubai prize and on a challenging round at Mottram Hall.

He said: “I have come so far that I am determined to keep going. And the thought of playing in Dubai will be a great incentive.”

He will certainly look the part because his friends at Morecambe have presented him with a club sweater to wear in the big event.

Since its inception in 2003, the Golf Care Matchplay Championship has become one of Europe’s largest amateur events.

More than 5,000 golfers entered this year and eventually that will be whittled down to a final 40 to play in Dubai.