Golf: Kerr steals march on rivals with early week in the sun

The 36-hole event tees off tomorrow at Son Gual, where Kerr has been practising for more than a week in the Spanish sunshine.

“I came out last Monday to get an early start on pre- season practice and the fact my uncle lives ten minutes from the course has made it both easy and cheap in terms of accommodation, etc,” he said.

Kerr completed his PGA training last year and is looking forward to his first season playing full-time tournament golf.

“It would be nice to get this year off to a fast start with a win and I think I have it in me,” he added.

“Two good rounds would also be a great boost as I hope to play the first Challenge Tour event of the season in India next week.”

Swanston New star John Gallagher and Dunbar’s Neil Fenwick are also in the 19-strong field competing for a £10,000 prize fund.

So, too, are Duddington’s James McGhee and Braid Hills-attached Paul McKechnie, the tournament favourite after winning three events on last year’s circuit.

“I think it is fantastic that we have an event like this to play in,” observed Kerr of a Tour that has been the brainchild of Dalmahoy director of golf Alan Tait and fellow PGA pro Nigel Scott-Smith.

“After playing both the Hi5 and EuroPro circuits, which cost a small fortune, I can honestly say that the OEPGT is incredible value for money and impeccably run.

“Alan and Nigel, as well as Optical Express, need to be congratulated for all the time and money that has been invested and I really hope that the Tour goes from strength to strength.

“Additional backing from the government or another public body could create something really special, in my opinion.”