Rob Dinwiddie is heading back to the North East to compete in the first stage of DP World Tour Qualifying School at The Northumberland.
The event, which takes place on September 8-11, will see players from around the world compete to earn a place in second stage in Spain, which takes place across four venues on October 29-November 1. The six-round Final Stage will once again take place at Infinitum Golf in Spain on November 6-11.
Among those hoping to get through to the next round is three-time Challenge Tour winner Rob.
Rob, who grew up in Barnard Castle and came through the event at The Northumberland last season, said: “I’m really looking forward to coming back. I got though last year by the skin of my teeth.
“I feel pretty good about my game, and over the next couple of weeks it’s a case of getting things tournament sharp.
“I miss playing golf at the top level and I love competing, because it’s the only time you really find out where your game is at – and it matters,” added the 43-year-old, who turned professional in 2006 and will be one of 50 players taking part from as far afield as the US, Australia, France, Mexico, Spain and Switzerland.
Rob, who now lives in London, added: “I have probably played or coached at every course in the North East, and I particularly like Northumberland. The course is fun to play and there really is nowhere else like it. As Newcastle Racecourse runs through it, you have to play over the racetrack and that adds a fair bit of excitement.
“It’s a heathland-style course that tends to play hard and fast, with spectacular views all the way round. It’s certainly no cinch, but, if you’re playing good golf you can have a great time on it.
“It’s an exciting course to play because no two holes are the same, and whenever I’ve been it’s always been in fantastic condition with great practice facilities; and I love that the 18th hole is right next to the clubhouse.”
Spectators can watch all the action for free throughout the event, with players including James Wilson (Alnmouth Village) Christian Brown (Close House), Michael Hay (Saltburn), Ben Brown (Romanby) and Max Reynolds (Rotherham) also in the field.
The first stage of Qualifying School takes place across 10 venues this season, with The Northumberland hosting the event for a second time as part of a three-year agreement.
The club’s general manager, James Thomas, said: “There will be a fantastic atmosphere and the chance to see some superb golf, so we hope to welcome as many people as possible.”
For more on this year’s Qualifying School, click here.
