Turkey trip for PGA pros in play-offs

THE PGA Play-Offs, won last season by Banhory's Greig Hutcheon, are moving to a new home in Turkey this year and will now be played over 54 holes.

The top three players from each of the PGA's seven regional order of merits will qualify for the 15,000 event, which has also received a new sponsorship from Titleist as part of a major makeover.

The PGA Sultan Course at Antalya Golf Club will stage the tournament on 22-24 November, when the rewards for the winner will include a spot in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said: "Being able to stage the Play-Offs in Turkey, in a warm weather climate, is a tremendous boost and can only enhance the event.

"It gives the regions' leading players the chance to demonstrate their high level of skill on a very demanding course which is a great test of golf.

"Furthermore, by extending the tournament to 54-holes it will ensure that we get the best players at the top of the pile and in contention to book their place in some leading European Tour events."

l David Watt has joined the team of teaching professionals at St Andrews Links Golf Academy. The 31-year-old joins the four-strong team after four years as the head pro at Hilton Park.