Hinton has cautious hopes

Posted on 20/05/08. By PGA

Shropshire's Philip Hinton knows what is required to compete in the Senior PGA Professional Championship but he is cautious about his chances in next week's event.

The 53-year-old from Chesterton Valley Golf Club near Bridgnorth finished second in the tournament three years ago and made the cut for the final round last year.

But he has played down his chances for the Northamptonshire County Golf Club this time around as he feels he has just not had enough competitive golf.

"This will only be my second event of the year because it is so early in the season for us," said Hinton, who lost out to Kibworth's Bob Larratt by two strokes in 2005. "There is nothing to suggest anything is going to happen.

"You start off and hope for the best. I played it last year so I know the course - but then so does everyone else.

"I was second in 2005 and it would be nice to repeat that but it is a difficult test.

"I am not brimming with confidence but I'm expecting to do well."

Despite coming so early in the year, the tournament is one of Hinton's favourites.

"It is a great event on a great course and I'm looking forward to it," he said.

"It is the big one for me. I have already qualified for the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship however; this one is where I have my best chance."

Elder brother Paul, who is also attached to Chesterton Valley, is also playing in the event but Philip insists that is not an additional motivating factor for him.

"We won't be having a side bet. There is a bit of rivalry but we both want to do well," he added. "You just have to look after your own game."

Also in the field is the 2003 winner John Lower, from Wollaton Park in Nottingham, and Farthingstone's Mike Gallagher, who once held the course record at Northants County and will be looking to use that local knowledge to his advantage.

Donald Stirling returns to defend his title in the £30,000 event from May 28 to 30 at Northants County, where the top 20 finishers will qualify for the De Vere PGA Seniors Championship at Slaley Hall.

The leading four players will also get to play in the Weston Homes PGA International Seniors at Stoke by Nayland in August and there is one spot available for the Scottish Seniors Open.