Sunshine boy defends golf title

May 23 2008

LAST year’s PA Sunshine Challenge winner Willy Hutton is eager to defend his title and bag another trip to Portugal.

The Blair Atholl member brought to an end Auchterarder man David Smith’s impressive reign as champion in last year’s final shoot-out at Gleneagles.

Network Rail signalman Hutton and three-times winner Smith are among nearly 40 players teeing-up entries for the 2008 competition.

Once again, the semi-finals and final will be played at glorious Gleneagles, courtesy of pro Russell Smith and the Golf Academy team.

The majority of participants have landed first round byes but several competitors get their campaign off to a rapid start.

The PA Sunshine Challenge, held annually in conjunction with golf break specialists Bill Goff, has attracted a record field with players flying the flag for clubs throughout the area.

The winner of the local match-play event staged over the summer will land a free golfing break on the Algarve in November.

It’s worth £650 and is centred on the four-star Tivoli Almansor Hotel in Carvoeiro. Newspaper winners from across the country then battle it out over Vale da Pinta, Palmares, Golfe dos Alamos and Golfe do Morgado.

Our regional winner will be pitching for an exclusive golfing break at the five star Le Meridien Penina, courtesy of Bill Goff and the famous Penina resort.

Everyone who entered the PA event receives a Greg Norman Sunshine Challenge golf shirt.

While most players get a bye, the first round draw is: D Morrison (Blair Atholl) v G Brock (Crieff); C Gallagher (Blairgowrie) v P Russell (Dunkeld and Birnam); D Blues (KJVI) v S Rose (Crieff); D Stanner (Whitemoss) v I Young (Auchterarder).