Ben Parker reels off three top-ten finishes in Turkey

Feb 19 2008 by Richard Williamson, Liverpool Daily Post

Royal Birkdale Golfer, Ben Parker _320

BEN PARKER has made a promising start to life as a professional.

After the opening three events on the EPD tour – all held in Turkey – the former England amateur international is fourth in the order of merit.

He has finished inside the top 10 in every tournament.

The Germany-based tour launches its season with a winter series based at Belek.

Parker, who will be flying the flag for Royal Birkdale during his rookie year as a professional, enjoyed his best result in the first event, when he finished second at the Sirene Classic.

He followed up by taking sixth spot at the Sueno Classic and then a share of eighth at the Gloria Classic.

His earnings of 4,242 euros means he will be well placed when the tour resumes in April with the Hofgut Scheibenhardt Classic in Karlsruhe.

Parker has a long-standing attachment to Royal Birkdale – even though he lives in Germany where dad Tim is a professional. Sister Florentyna, who is also an England amateur international and is hoping to win a place in this year’s Curtis Cup team, is also a member.

Mum Gina says: “Ben is the first tournament professional to be allowed to write Royal Birkdale after his name. He and Florentyna also made Birkdale history becoming the first members to be proposed by a lady.”

The European Open will return to England for the first time since 1994 at The London Golf Club in Kent from July 3-6, 2008.