Auchterarder Golf Club’s Rory Franssen proved his readiness to take on some of the world’s best after a five-under par round of 66 at Close House saw him secure qualification in the no.1 position for The International Series England.
Franssen will now compete alongside the likes of Ryder Cup heroes Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter when the main event returns to the North East between August 17-20th, and will be hoping for a repeat performance with a US$2m prize purse to play for.
“I’m buzzing, I’m absolutely buzzing,” said the University of Missouri alumni after sealing victory in the International Series England Qualifier 2023. “It’s your dream to play against these guys (Poulter and Westwood) and to be able to do that now is going to be really cool. I’m looking forward to it.
“Without support from The International Series, I would have no opportunity to play in as big an event as this, which is huge for guys like me. I am sure that everyone here today really appreciates the opportunity this event has created.”
The field consisted of 144 professionals and amateurs looking to book return passage to Close House later this summer. Among them taking on difficult conditions in Newcastle Upon Tyne was former Sunderland A.F.C and Middlesbrough captain Lee Cattermole, who put his sporting prowess to the test in less familiar circumstances over the 6,813-yard layout.
