WEYMOUTH professional Michael Watson has enjoyed a bright start to the year and remains intent on making both the PGA Cup squad and The Open, writes Ky Capel.

Watson, who works alongside fellow pro Jon Bevan at the Wessex Golf Centre, triumphed by just one stroke at the Farrington Pro-Am in April.

Although pleased with his display, Watson is not getting ahead of himself as he bids to emulate Bevan’s achievement of competing for Great Britain and Ireland in the PGA Cup two years ago.

The US visit The Carrick on Loch Lomond in September looking to defend their title but Watson hopes to make the home line-up.

He said: “The PGA Cup qualifier is in the middle of June up in Scotland. It’s double points this year so if you finish in the top seven that should be good enough to make the team, of which Jon was a part of two years ago.

“At Farrington in April and I finished six under which was enough to win it so that was a decent start for me. I’ve taken part in a couple of other alliance competitions and done okay, but nothing spectacular.

“I’m just looking forward to it all, and I hope the weather holds up. My back is fine so there’s no excuses on the fitness front.”

Watson is also hoping to better his showing at last year’s Open qualifiers, where he exited at the first stage.

The newly appointed captain of the Bournemouth Alliance added: “The Open qualifiers start at Fern-down. I generally play Ferndown quite well so if I can do that again then I should get through.”