Three shots behind the leader heading into the final round, Ashley Mansell of Clevedon had work to do to secure his second national title in as many years at Slaley Hall.
The Northumberland venue, owned by QHotels Collection – National Tournament Partner of The PGA – provided a stern test throughout the week. Persistent rain and gusting winds added to the challenge of an already lengthy and demanding championship course.
Defending champion Harry Casey began the final round at five-under-par and held the overnight lead, but it was Mansell who produced the standout performance. A composed three-under-par 69 in difficult conditions saw him surge past those ahead of him and take control of the championship.
Mansell made the perfect start, birdieing each of his opening three holes before adding further gains at the sixth and ninth to reach the turn in command.
Another birdie followed at the par-five 13th to establish a cushion over the chasing pack, and although three bogeys in his closing four holes trimmed that advantage, the outcome was never seriously in doubt. Playing alongside nearest challenger and eventual runner-up Gavin Hay, Mansell arrived at the final tee with a two-stroke lead. A bogey from Hay reduced the pressure as Mansell also tapped in for a five.
Pictured: East Renfrewshire's Gavin Hay
Mansell's winning total capped an impressive week of consistency, with rounds of 75, 68, 71 and 69 proving enough to secure the flagship title on the Callaway PGA National Tournament Schedule.
The victory continues a remarkable run for Mansell, who claimed the English PGA Championship title in 2025 and now adds the PGA Professional Championship to his growing CV.
Speaking after his prize presentation, Mansell said: “I'm over the moon. I didn't expect this to happen after round one. But I knew this week would be a grind anyway, for everyone because of the weather and it was just keeping myself in it and in a position to potentially win.
“The challenge this week was the wind, the rain and the elevation changes on the course. It's been playing long out there on a few holes and the crosswinds added to the fun.
“Today's round, I knew I had to get off to a fast start and make some birdies which I did. I played the front nine real well and I was happy with how I played that and then the back nine, you're just holding on for dear life. I just got nervous towards the end. We know what is up for grabs at the end of today so got a little nervous but overcome it.”
Casey was unable to reproduce the form that had put him in contention over the opening three rounds, carding a four-over-par final round to slip into fourth place.
Meanwhile, Scotsman Graeme Robertson produced the round of the day, firing a superb five-under-par 67 to climb into third.
As PGA Professional Champion, Mansell received prize money alongside a host of prizes courtesy of PGA partners Abacus, Silverhand Estate and Bushnell. Victory also earned him starts in the HotelPlanner Tour's English Open and Scottish Challenge, as well as a place in the prestigious BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
“To have a spot at the BMW is mega. I've always dreamt of wanting to get into a DP World Tour event, and to finally get into one from this is awesome. And to have the two Challenge Tour starts is just another added bonus, with the chance to compete against some great golfers.
“To win the flagship event for The PGA, with the names on this trophy, and to be part of history is amazing.
“Slaley Hall is a great venue. The golf course has been amazing this week and the green staff have done really well. The greens were fantastic and it was set up perfectly for the conditions we had and the practice facilities and everything here were great.
“Winning the English last year, I didn't foresee winning this. It was always on my agenda to play well, but to actually win is amazing. Hopefully I can use this as a big stepping stone for the DP World Tour at the BMW. If I can perform well there, who knows what happens.”
