Adams keen to make impact at PGA in Hants Open

But away from the course the PGA assistant professional at Swanmore Golf Centre could not be happier.

Adams and wife Amber are proud parents of son Roman, who was born only seven weeks ago, so sleep has been hard to come by for one of the PGA in Hampshire’s top competitors.

He is now hoping to summon up the energy to make an impact today in the PGA in Hants Open at Rowlands Castle, sponsored by Be Wiser Insurance.

Last year’s Order of Merit winner lies second behind Stoneham’s Adam Hickling going into this major event, despite his self-confessed indifferent form.

Adams said: ‘There is a lot going on at the moment with Roman only a few weeks olds, so there has not been much time to practice.

‘But I am not complaining. All dad’s go through this. It is just normal.

‘What it means, though, is through lack of sleep I sometimes lose concentration on the course and play poor shots.

‘Having said that, I have picked up a bit recently in the pro-ams so I am feeling quite positive going into the open.

‘I have two wins under my belt already which is on a par with last season but Adam is the one to catch as he has been playing consistently well.’

Hampshire has a rich tradition of producing top amateurs, with Meon Valley’s Harry Ellis winning the Amateur Championship last month.

However, Adams believes it is time the pros got the better of the amateurs who have performed well in recent years.

Ben Lobacz, of Blackmoor, who won the open on his home course last season, is aiming to retain his title, while Rowlands Castle duo Tom Robson and Billy McKenzie will be hoping to follow Lobacz’s example and win on familiar ground.

Robson, the club’s assistant secretary, has a good pedigree, having graduated from Jacksonville State University five years ago with a degree in finance.

Like Robson, McKenzie secured a golf scholarship to America and was a stand-out performer for William Woods University last season.

He recently finished tied third in the Berkshire Trophy.

Apart from Adams and Hickling, other high-fliers in the Order of Merit taking part are Gary Stubbington, Jon Barnes and James Ablett.