East Brighton duo lead St. James’s Place National Pro-Am

The heavens opened during round one of the St. James’s Place National Pro-Am Grand Final at PGA National Turkey, leaving the players not only attempting to avoid the 15 lakes on the golf course, but the rain clouds as well.

However, East Brighton Golf Club’s PGA Professional Darren Mustchin and amateur playing partner George Pearson showed the rain was not going to dampen their spirits as they finished their opening round with a score of 42 points at Antalya Golf Club.

With a trio of birdies on holes 10, 11 and 12, just as the weather reached its worst, Mustchin and Pearson proved that their teamwork could overcome both kinds of water hazard.

Mustchin said: “We dovetailed really well. I started off with a few good holes and then George came in, it got really tough from the 9th hole onwards - the weather was absolutely horrendous.”

Despite the weather, the entire field have enjoyed the excellent hospitality at Antalya Golf Club and Sirene Belek Hotel. All finalists are all enjoying an all-expenses paid trip to Turkey after coming through their Regional Final earlier this year.

Pearson commented: “The entire week has been great fun and to score well, have a couple of holes where you can contribute - it feels great. I had some good caddying from Darren as well on a few holes, where he was telling me what club to hit - I wish I could have him every round, I’d probably score just as well!

“It's my first golf trip abroad, my first all-inclusive trip as well, which is exciting. I’ve never played abroad at all. It came as a great surprise, and now that we're here and playing well, I’m loving it.”

Mustchin added: “It's been brilliant. The hotel is absolutely fantastic, the resort here has been absolutely brilliant and I’d definitely love to come back.”

CLICK HERE to view a full list of scores from round one of the St. James’s Place National Pro-Am Grand Final.

CLICK HERE to view a photo gallery from PGA National Turkey.