A team of PGA Professionals proved as adept with clubs from yesteryear as modern ones when they turned the clock back in a match on the New Course at Walton Heath.
Playing with hickory clubs, attired in plus-fours, jackets, ties and flat caps, the 12-strong team captained by North Wilts Golf Club’s head pro Graham Laing took on members of the British Golf Collectors Society (BGCS).
The match is an annual event staged at Walton Heath and the Association’s team that included former PGA Captain Eddie Bullock, 2022 West Region captain Kevin Pitts and trick shot doyen David Edwards won a close encounter 31/2 points to 21/2.
In addition to his role at North Wilts, Laing is a BGCS member and speaking afterwards, he said: “I bat for both sides. Not only am I a PGA golf professional, but I’m also a BGCS member.
“I’ve been collecting golf clubs for 40 years. I’m not an active BGCS member playing-wise – this is my one outing of the year and I love it.
“That’s because I’m interested in old golf equipment and old clubs. In fact, my first clubs were cut-down hickories. They were cut down by my grandfather 60 years ago and that’s how I started to play golf.”
