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Time is right for Hartley’s Open bid

Jun 23 2009 by Tim Taylor, The Journal

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OPEN qualifying is played out along an uncertain grassy road in a long dark tunnel, at the end of which lies an almost impossibly tiny chink of light.

But with a new job and a new baby, David Hartley reckons this is as good a time as any to give it a go. Tomorrow at Goswick, he will become the first golfer to represent Durham County club Roseberry Grange in regional qualifying.

The 22-year-old Hartley, son of former club pro Alan Hartley, has just been appointed assistant to the Chester-le-Street professional, David Fletcher. Hartley has a two-month-old daughter, Lilly, and said: “I’ve never been happier in my life with Lilly arriving and getting a job in my home town. There’s been a straight swap with Darren Crowle going from Chester-le-Street to Dinsdale Spa, where I was working. Darren lives much nearer Darlington than me.

“I know qualifying is tough, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. I’m in great spirits at the moment, so let’s get out there on those lovely links at Goswick and give it a right good go. I played Goswick four days in a row when I was on a camping holiday when I was 11 and to go back for an event like this is fantastic.”