Dr John is delighted after PGA honour

Dec 17 2009 by Alan Hedley, The Journal

JOHN Harrison has been honoured by the NE and NW PGA with an honorary life membership at the area association’s annual dinner.

The former GB and Ireland PGA Cup international played on the European Tour in the 1970s and is now a respected coach.

The honour came hot on the heels of the Matfen Hall pro’s win at the European Senior Tour Qualifying School in Portugal.

Harrison, director of coaching at Matfen, set the lowest total in the event since 2001 as he finished on 14-under 270 at Pestana, breaking 70 in all four rounds. It was the lowest aggregate 72-hole score since Steve Stull’s ten-shot victory eight years ago.

“It was fantastic, I’m delighted to get my card,” said Harrison, who becomes eligible for the Senior Tour when he turns 50 in May. “But the icing on the cake was the award made by my own association at our annual dinner. It meant a lot to me and I’m really proud.”

Harrison is a former captain on the NE and NW PGA and also the Northern Region and has won several North Region majors and a host of pro-ams over the years.

Now coach to European Tour player Kenneth Ferrie and several leading amateur players, Harrison has no intention of quitting that side of his career.