Three of the North East’s best young professionals will compete for a $2million purse when the Asian Tour’s International Series England takes place at Close House having progressed through qualifying.
North East-based players claimed three of the six spots available in the 18-hole qualifying event – which was won by Auchterarder Golf Club’s Rory Franssen with a five under-par round of 66.
He will be joined in the field for the event – which takes place August 17-20 – by Slaley Hall-based Rhys Thompson, who shot a bogey-free 68. Tyneside’s James Wilson and Heworth-based Will Marshall, who both posted two under-par totals on the Colt Course, will also be part of the event alongside players including Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Patrick Reed.
Rhys, who won on the Tartan Pro Tour last week, said: “It was a good round. I was bogey-free and I’m really happy with the performance especially with how I’ve performed in the last two weeks.”
James added: “Having gone four over through five, I got it back really well. I’m pleased with how I controlled myself and I’m very happy with the result.”
The field for the qualifier was made up of 144 professionals and amateurs, with Englishmen Luke Joy and Adam Batty securing the final two places with rounds of 69.
