Thrilled Paisley in line for pro debut
Aug 17 2010 by Tim Taylor, The Journal
FORMER Northumberland champion Chris Paisley has a chance of making his professional debut via an unexpected invitation to next week’s Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.
The Walker Cup player and ex-US college star, who lives in Mickley, signed off his amateur career by winning all five matches he played as England triumphed in the Home Internationals at Ashburnham in Wales.
Paisley, 24, said last night: “I cannot remember the last time I was so excited.
“I am really looking forward to my first tournament as a professional.”
Paisley, whose brother Andy is the Hexham club pro, wants as many tournaments under his belt as possible before trying to qualify for either the main tour or the Challenge Tour next season.
Coincidentally, the Gleneagles event is the last one which counts for the established star turns on the European Tour in terms of qualifying as an automatic choice for the Ryder Cup in October.
Top players Justin Rose, Padraig Harrington, Paul Casey and Luke Donald – all needing a wild card – have “defected” to a big-money FedEx Cup tournament in America the same week.
While this goes against the wishes of European captain Colin Montgomerie, it means gaps have opened up at the back of the Gleneagles field.
Paisley, who joined his club Stocksfield as an eight-year-old, added: “I have yet to have anything confirmed 100 per cent, but there is a chance of me playing at Gleneagles through an invitation.
“If not, I am hoping I shall be OK for an invitation to the Swalec Wales Challenge on the Challenge Tour the same week as Gleneagles.
:: HOLDERS Seaham and Brancepeth Castle have reached the final of the Clark Cup at South Shields on Sunday, September 5.
In the semi-finals at Boldon, Seaham beat Wearside 3&2 and Brancepeth beat Eaglescliffe by the same score.
DURHAM COUNTY: Michael Curry (Brancepeth Castle), Graeme Marchbank (Durham City), James Simpson (Whickham), Gareth Cooper (Brancepeth Castle), Julian Wynn (Eaglescliffe), Stuart Brown (Castle Eden), Steven Dance (Ramside), David Innes (Hartlepool), Chris Hewitt (Beamish Park), Ian McEntee (South Moor), Gavin Nesbit (Boldon), Richard Aisbitt (Brancepeth Castle).
Reserves: Bryan Ross (Heworth), Joe Fraser (Ravensworth), Stephen King (Garesfield).
