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  • Latest Jobs in Golf
06 August, 2008

Woodman Taking Nothing For Granted

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East Berkshire's Guy Woodman thrashed the rest of the field in the South Region qualifier for the Powerade PGA Assistants' Championship in association with FootJoy but he is taking nothing for granted when the competition proper begins at the London Club on August 13.

The 31-year-old carded a six-under-par 63 to finish six shots clear of his nearest challenger, but says that counts for nothing if you do not reproduce that form when it matters.

"No, not at all," he said when asked if he was confident about winning the event.

"I don't really know what to expect to be honest because it's the first time I've played this event.

"The standard will obviously be a lot stronger than the qualifier as you've got the best players from each region there.

"But if I play the way I know I can then I've got as good a chance as anyone else.

But if I don't play well, the fact I won the qualifier won't matter one bit."

Woodman is gradually becoming accustomed to life as an assistant professional, having spent many years playing full-time.

Although he admits it is hard having to suddenly think about a job as well as his game, he is glad the pressure has subsided.

"This is my first year studying for my PGA qualification," he said. "The winter was tough because I had a lot of coursework to do and it's been a long time since I did anything academic.

"After I left school I played full-time and tried to earn my card. I played on the PGA Europro Tour and regional PGA events and in the winters I just did whatever I could to earn a living. I was lucky because a few people helped me out.

"But last year I decided to become an assistant professional at East Berkshire because it gives me the opportunity to keep my costs down and keep playing golf.

And at the same time I'm earning another living and it takes the pressure off a lot.

"This season has not been too bad. I've played quite reasonably and steadily, although I've had to adapt to working as well as playing.

"I've done well in a few pro-ams and regional events but unfortunately I've been quite poor on the PGA Europro Tour."

Woodman is looking forward to tackling the Kent course for the first time and said his appetite was whetted by watching the European Open held there last month.

"I'll have to make some putts and hit it straight at the London Club to have any chance," he added.

"The course looked a real test when I saw it on television a few weeks ago

"I haven't played it but I've heard a lot about it and it sounds great."

The PGA Assistants' Championship, which has a £5,000 first prize, has had some notable winners with former Ryder Cup captain Dai Rees winning in 1935 and 1936, the 'Voice of Golf' Peter Allis claiming the title in '52, Open and US Open champion Tony Jacklin in '65 and Barry Lane in '83.