Rotherham’s James Freeman adds a national PGA title to his collection and earns his PGA Cup debut – while Abbeydale’s Gareth Davies also earns a place in the GB&I team
Rotherham-based James Freeman added the Callaway Chrome Tour PGA Open Series (Midlands) title to his collection following a playoff victory at Peterborough Milton Golf Club – and earned his debut in the PGA Cup later this year, where he is set to team up with Gareth Davies.
James – who shot rounds of 71 and 65 at Peterborough Milton – finished in a tie for top spot with Thomas Hamson (Wollaton Park) after 36 holes. In the sudden-death playoff, following bogeys for both players at the 18th, James birdied the par five first hole to win the title and take home the £3,600 winner’s cheque.
“It’s always a good feeling to win, and getting over the line at Peterborough Milton was great,” said James. “It came in the middle of a busy run and I felt good about my game having done a little bit of work with my coach [Graham Walker]. I knew my way around too, having played there before, and that really helped on that golf course with the firm conditions this year. It’s one of those places where you need to be patient, and I did that so well in both rounds. The 65 on a hot and breezy day, having started nine behind the leader, was just what I needed.
“I’d seen Tom make his putt on the last to setup the playoff, and I know he is a very good player, so to face off against him head-to-head and get the win was a brilliant feeling.
“My game is in a good spot and I got close in a few national events last summer but didn’t get across the line, so to get this one in the bag is an awesome feeling.”
Following the win, James learned he’d earned his place in the Great Britain & Ireland team for the PGA Cup.
The first five places on the GB&I team were determined through the PGA Professional Championship, with qualification based on performances across the 2025 and 2026 championships.
Ashley Mansell (Clevedon Golf Club), Harry Casey (The Shire London), Toby Hunt (Whitchurch Golf Club), Ben Amor (Ogbourne Downs Golf Club) and Gavin Hay (East Renfrewshire Golf Club) secured automatic qualification by finishing among the leading players in the two-year standings.
The sixth automatic spot was awarded through the Callaway Chrome Tour PGA Open Series, which combines players’ performances across the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
These standings form the basis of PGA Cup qualification and going into the final Open Series tournament, only James and Matthew Ford (GolfGearDirect) could mathematically finish top of those standings and claim the automatic place. As a result, PGA Cup captain David Scott confirmed that no matter which of the two players secures that spot, the other will occupy a captain’s pick.
Abbeydale-based Gareth, Graeme Robertson (Glenbervie Golf Club) and Simon Thornton (STGolf) were chosen as the final three captain’s picks, completing the team that will compete at The K Club in Ireland on October 2-4 – where James will make his PGA Cup debut and Gareth will tee it up for the second time following his debut in 2024.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have made it into the side,” said James. “I got quite emotional after the call to confirm I’d made it.
“It’s a huge thing for PGA professionals, and the two-year cycle makes it hard to earn a spot in what is a really competitive team, so I’m very proud.
“I’ve worked hard over the last two years, getting my training in before my boys get up in the morning and sharpening up my game. The people around me – most importantly my wife and family – have made this possible. Graham [Walker] also deserves so many thank yous, as does my great mate Adam Keogh.
“I’ve been consistent for two years on the national circuit and that has made this possible. I’m so excited to be part of the team, to compete alongside my teammates, and be part of one of the biggest events in the PGA calendar.
“From here I’ll keep on top of everything, keep competing, and get to Ireland in the best shape possible. I can’t wait!”
Gareth added: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected for my second PGA Cup.
“It’s fantastic to see James make the team as well, and to have two players in the 10-man side is great for Yorkshire. I’m looking forward to October and representing GB&I again.”
First played in 1973, the PGA Cup is a biennial contest between PGA professionals from the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland and the PGA of America, with teams of 10 competing in foursomes, fourballs and singles matches in a similar format to the Ryder Cup. In 2024, the United States ran out 17.5-8.5 winners at Sunriver Resort in Oregon.
