Updated Northern Order of Merit Table

The Northern Order of Merit Table after the Penwortham Rose Bowl.

James Robinson , S&A = 355
Ian Winstanley , Formby = 275
Mark Young , Longridge = 245
Tommy Fleetwood , Formby Hall = 150
Paul Howard , S&A = 150
Simon Robinson , Heysham = 150
David Simpson , Penrith = 150
Jay McGarvey , Whitefield = 125
Jon Hurst , Shaw Hill = 115
Paul Woodhouse , Lancaster = 110
James Cook , Royal Liverpool = 100
Paul Kinnear , Formby = 100
Craig Bolton , Penwortham = 100
Ritchie Blundell , Hillside = 90
Sean Towndrow , S&A = 80
Tom Graves , West Lancs = 75
Andrew Palmer , Chorley = 75
Thomas Winn , Morecambe = 75
Lee Mayers , Fairhaven = 75
James Wilson , Formby = 60
Michael Hearn , Chorley = 60
Mike Bedford , Prestbury = 60
Adam Wills , Sandiway = 55
Mark Rabone , S&A = 50
Adam Andrews , Ashton-in-Makerfield = 50
Henry Tomlinson , Royal Lytham = 45
Paul D Williams , Hillside = 45
Paul McFerran , Childwall = 45
Marcus Mohr , Hawarden = 45
Curtis Dean , St Annes Old Links = 40
James Martin , San Roque = 40
Fred Jewsbury , Ladbroke Park = 40
David Peel , Stockport = 40
John Carroll , Huyton & Prescot = 40
Phil Stanley , Penwortham = 40
Paul Lowey , Rowany = 30
Daniel Sefton , Lancaster = 30
Greg McIlroy , S&A = 30
Dean Pickard , Nelson = 30
Graham Roberts , Eaton = 25
Steve Hindle , Ellesmere = 25
Sean Mills , Sandiway = 25
Liam Connelly , West Lancs = 20
Russell Heyhoe , Burgham Park = 20
David Jones , Ramsey = 20
Lee Merson , Denton = 20
Andy Allen , Crompton & Royton = 20
Peter Nicholson , Vicars Cross = 15
Steve McGlynn , Blackburn = 15
Andrew Borg , Penwortham = 15
Kevin Kean , Ashton-on-Mersey = 10
Chris Heslop , Chipping Norton = 10
Tom McCam , Morecambe = 10

Simpson’s back in the fold

DAVID Simpson, left out of the Cumbria side that lost to Yorkshire on his home course Penrith on Saturday, played himself straight back into it after winning the Penwortham Rose Bowl.

The 20-year-old scratch man strung together rounds of 71 and 73, six-over-par in total, to prevail by three shots from the host club’s Craig Bolton.

And after phoning his county captain Martin Hand with the news Simpson was told he would be in the side to face Durham at Bishop Auckland in July.

“I omitted him on Saturday because I felt he had not put in the work and he had lost form but this win puts him back in the reckoning,” said Hand.

“He only missed one match when we won the Northern Counties League last season so we all know what he is capable of.”

SCORES (Par = 69): 144 David Simpson (Penrith) 71 73; 147 Craig Bolton (Penwortham) 73 74, Lee Mayers (Fairhaven) 73 74; 148 Paul Woodhouse (Lancaster), 76 72, Mark Young (Longridge) 74 74; 149 Marcus Mohr (Hawarden) 78 71, Phil Stanley (Penwortham) 75 74, Dean Pickard (Nelson) 74 75, Jay McGarvey (Whitefield) 73 76; 150 Andy Allen (Crompton & Royton) 71 79; 151 Andrew Borg (Penwortham) 76 75, Tom McCam (Morecambe) 74 77.

ORDER OF MERIT: 355pts James Robinson (S&A); 275 Ian Winstanley (Formby); 245 Mark Young (Longridge); 150 Tommy Fleetwood (Formby Hall), Paul Howard (S&A), Simon Robinson (Heysham), David Simpson (Penrith); 125 Jay McGarvey (Whitefield); 115 Jon Hurst (Shaw Hill); 110 Paul Woodhouse (Lancaster), 100 James Cook (Royal Liverpool), Paul Kinnear (Formby), Craig Bolton (Penwortham).

Steele shows mettle to win Burhill play-off

Former Tour champ winner holds off Doherty in Surrey

Robert Steele won The Pandora 2010 Open at Burhill Golf Club in Surrey on the first play-off hole against Sean Doherty to win the second event on the 2010 PGA EuroPro Tour.

In 2008 Steele (Kenilworth/Forest of Arden) clinched a top five place and a spot on the Challenge Tour after winning the Tour Championship at Les Bordes in France, but circumstances beyond his control saw him endure a tough 2009 in golf. Much of his frustration came out in an eight under par 64 in the second round to take a two-shot lead into the final round, and while Doherty threw away victory with a bogey-bogey finish, the 26 year-old winner believes the win is a fresh start in his career.

“After Les Bordes I had six months without competitive golf and then I picked up a stomach infection in Kenya,” said Steele, who picks up £10,000 for the win. “I also wasn't getting a lot of chances to play so all in all it was a really frustrating year in my career.

“It's great to have a win early season and I'm just pleased that I have turned a corner and things are definitely looking a lot brighter – I've got a monkey off my back so to speak. I wasn't really getting the chance to better myself but now I feel I have momentum and I've got my eye on getting into that top five again.”

Level par opening and closing rounds meant his eight under par second round was the one that counted, but on a course in such terrific condition, low scores were always a possibility. Doherty (Bury GC) began the day at five under par but shot into real contention immediately with a birdie-birdie start. A third birdie at the fifth moved him to eight under par and two further birdies saw him move to ten under through 16.

Meanwhile, Steele was finding the fluency of Thursday tougher to come by as he followed each of his three birdies in his final round with a bogey to move through his first 15 holes at level par.

“It was always going to be tough to follow a 64 but I didn't play as well as I did on the first two rounds,” said the Stratford-upon-Avon based golfer. “I tried to play conservative golf at the start of the round today and I settled with a birdie at the fifth but a flier at ten set me back a bit, responded straight away. I took a cheeky peek at the leaderboard after bogeying 15 and noticed I was behind but Sean came back to me. I suppose I was a bit lucky but you have to take advantage and I did just that.”

Doherty’s bogey-bogey finish meant the pair went down the par-three 18th again in a play-off, and Doherty replicated his three-putt in regulation tournament action to bogey the hole again meaning Steele’s solid par was enough for the win to put him on track for a strong showing.

“I was glad to get in a play-off really as Sean had passed me and I thought I had to make a couple of birdies on the way in,” said Steele. “I needed a two-putt on the last from 65 foot after fatting a five and I nearly holed it but I made a good three there to get the play-off and again on the same hole to eventually win it.

“I was in the top ten several times in 2008 but just didn’t manage to get into the top three – but now I have a very strong block to build on towards my top five goal,” said Steele.

Scotsman Craig Lee (Aspire Golf Centre) claimed third spot two shots behind Steele and Doherty at six under par, reward for a second round 66 and a final round of 70, which could’ve been different had it not been for bogeys at the first and last holes.

Five players tied for fourth spot at five under par. Robert Watkins shot the lowest score of the lowest score of the day with eight birdies in his five-under par 67 to head the group. Gary King (Tyrrells Wood) began with an eagle and two birdies in his first five holes but three bogeys in his round of 69 meant he joined King on five under, where Martin Sell (Wrag Barn GC – 71), Jamie Little (www.events4golf.co.uk – 73) and Alex Belt (73) also finished.

The next event on the 2010 PGA EuroPro Tour takes place at Castle Dargan in Sligo from Wednesday June 2.

THE PANDORA 2010 OPEN FINAL SCORES
1 Robert Steele -8 208 72, 64, 72 £10,000
2 Sean Doherty -8 208 68, 71, 69 £5,000
3 Craig Lee (Sco) -6 210 74, 66, 70 £2,500
=4 Robert Watkins (Eng) -5 211 74, 70, 67 £1,240
=4 Gary King (Eng) -5 211 70, 72, 69 £1,240
=4 Martin Sell (Eng) -5 211 68, 72, 71 £1,240
=4 Jamie Little (Eng) -5 211 70, 68,73 £1,240
=4 Alex Belt (Eng) -5 211 70, 68,73 £1,240
=9 George Woolgar (Eng) -4 212 72, 69, 71 £800
=9 Matthew Ford (Eng) -4 212 70, 71, 71 £800
=9 Paul O’Hanlon (Ire) -4 212 69, 71, 72 £800

Open Tournaments at Warren Golf Club

We are pleased to inform you about three wonderful open golf events at The Warren Golf Club in Devon.

First up is the annual Mixed Pairs Open on Sunday 20th June. This event has limited places remaining, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The competition is a Greensome Stableford for couples with maximum handicaps of 24 (men) and 36 (ladies). The cost is very good value at just £20 per couple. Full details and an entry-form can be found here.

The second event is the 'Warren Seagull' Pairs Open that will be played on Sunday 5th September. This is open to men and ladies (any combination) with the format being a Foursomes Medal. Entry is £24 per pair. Full details and an entry-form can be found here.

Finally, the prestigious Peterkin Salver, a 36-hole individual strokeplay competition, will take place on Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th September. This event is open to men with a maximum handicap of 24 and has an entry-fee of £25. Full details and an entry-form can be found here.

The prestigious links golf course of Dawlish Warren resides in the beautiful countryside of Devon. The course is an 18-hole, par 69 bordered by water on three sides. Each hole provides a rare challenge for both the experienced golfer and newcomers to the beautiful game.

Over 100 years old, the golf club is nestled in a National Nature Reserve with varied plant life. There are many rare species of wildlife and beautiful views of the Exe Estuary to enjoy.

Members of the golfing community of all skill levels try to conquer the wonderful mysteries of the game at Dawlish Warren. With the spectacular views and natural beauty surrounding you on all sides of the course, you can always guarantee a relaxing game regardless of the errant shot.

Consett & District Golf Club Open Competitions

We would like to inform you about four cracking competitions at Consett & District Golf Club. Each offers superb value for money and therefore e arly entry is recommended because spaces are expected to fill up very quickly.

The first of these events will be held on Sunday 6th June and is a Ladies Pairs Open for women with a maximum handicap of 30. The format is a Fourball Betterball Stableford and entry is fabulous value at just £15 per pair. Full details and the entry-form can be found here.

The second event will take place on Sunday 13th June and is a Gents Pairs Open for men with a maximum handicap of 24. The format is again a Fourball Betterball Stableford and entry is just £16 per pair. Full details and the entry-form can be found here.

Next up is a Senior Pairs Open on Thursday 15th July. The format is also a Fourball Betterball Stableford, has a price of only £14 per pair and a maximum handicap limit of 24. Full details and the entry-form can be found here.

Finally, a Mixed Pairs Open will be held on Sunday 8th August. The format once again is a Fourball Betterball Stableford and has an entry-fee of £15 per couple. Handicap limits are 18 for men and 30 for ladies. Full details and the entry-form can be found here.

Consett & District golf course is an 18 hole, mature parkland course designed by Harry Vardon in 1911 and measures 6,041 yards. The course is set in 100 acres of the beautiful Derwent Valley on the county border between Durham and Northumberland. The course offers an enjoyable experience for all ages and golfing abilities.

Consett Golf Club has a reputation second to none for its friendly atmosphere and excellent bar and catering facilities. The clubhouse has also been recently refurbished and is the perfect location to complete your day's golf, have a meal, take some refreshment and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Burhill dazzled by Steele’s figure of eight

Robert fires stunning 64 to lead The Pandora 2010 Open

2008 Tour Championship winner Robert Steele fired a magnificent eight under par 64 in the second round of The Pandora 2010 Open at Burhill GC in Surrey to lead the PGA EuroPro Tour event by two shots ahead of Friday’s final round.

Steele squeezed into the top five of the Order of Merit in 2008 after winning the showcase Tour Championship at Les Bordes in France, and after kicking off his round level after a 72 in his opening round, he showed some of the class that conquered one of Europe’s best golf courses with a scintillating round of golf.

The Stratford-upon-Avon man recorded his first birdie of the day on the third and his second on the fifth before he picked up three pairs of birdies from the seventh, 11th and 14th to register a round that affords him a two shot advantage over Alex Belt and Jamie Little tied in second spot at six under.

“I did a lot of things right today,” said Steele. “I made a couple of twos at the par threes, I hit my wedges close and holed some big putts, a couple of 18 footers at 14 and 15 and a 20-footer at the seventh.”

In his opening round, the 26 year-old began well on the back nine with three birdies but a bogey and double bogey coming home on the front nine left him annoyed by missed opportunities – and he clearly corrected that with today’s assault.

“I kept it simple and took full advantage of my chances today,” said Steele. “Yesterday I hit 16 greens in regulation, today it was 17, so I didn’t really do a great deal different – that’s why I left the course frustrated after the opening round.

“Any lead is a good lead but it’s playing well out there so two shots is not a big one at all – there are some hungry guys out there that are very capable. But whether I was two behind or two in front it wouldn’t change the way I play.”

Both Belt and Little (www.events4golf.co.uk) recorded four under par rounds of 68 starting on the back nine, with Belt picking up four birdies and Little grabbing five with a solitary bogey at 18.

Graham Benson and Sean Doherty were in a five-way tie for the lead overnight at four under par and they are still hand-in-hand after both carded one under par rounds of 71. Benson (Leighton Buzzard) got off to a dream start on the back nine with four birdies but by the time he hit the turn, three bogeys had undone his earlier good work and the front nine was a level one after two more birdies were cancelled out by two bogeys. Doherty (Bury GC) had a similarly colourful card with four birdies and three bogeys in his 71. Joining that duo in a three-way tie for fourth spot is Jack Clarke, whose progress was far more serene – starting with a birdie then grabbing another at the ninth for round of 70.

Steele’s round of 64 rather overshadowed the efforts of Craig Lee (Aspire Golf Centre) who picked up nine birdies in his second round of 66 to move to four under par for the tournament. The Scotsman is joined there by Irish trio Michael McGeady, Michael Collins (www.foreireland.com) and Paul O’Hanlon (Curragh), Englishman Martin Sell (Wrag Barn GC) and Australian Daniel Gaunt, who is chasing back-to-back wins at the start of the Tour.

Fifty-One players made the cut at one over par (145) and the final round will begin at 8am, with Steele teeing off alongside Belt at 12.03pm. Live scoring from the final round of The Pandora 2010 Open is available at www.europrotour.com, where you can also find the full leader board from the tournament.

Five-way tie for Burhill EuroPro lead

Low scoring start to The Pandora 2010 Open in Surrey!

Five players are tied for the lead at four under par after the opening round of The Pandora 2010 Open on the PGA EuroPro Tour at Burhill Golf Club in Surrey.

Shaun McAllister, Graham Benson, Sean Doherty, Martin Sell and Tim Dykes all recorded rounds of 68 on the New Course on a day of fine scoring in the second event on the Tour.

McAllister (Craigielaw) was the early pacesetter, carding three birdies in his opening four holes on the back nine – moving through the turn at three under after a bogey at 15 was followed by a fourth birdie at 18. His fifth birdie of the day came at the first to move him to four under which is where he would finish after a pair of birdies from the fourth were sandwiched between two dropped shots for a round of 68.

Benson (Leighton Buzzard) was the first player to join McAllister thanks to a couple of birdie bursts. Benson flew out of the traps on the front nine with a trio of birdies from the second hole, but consecutive bogeys at eight and nine pegged him back to one under. His response on the back nine was instant though, with birdies at 10 and 11 followed by another at the 13th to see him match McAllister’s 68.

Doherty (Bury GC) threatened to nab the lead outright in one of the final groups of the day but a bogey at the eighth hole – his penultimate – cost him that honour. Martin Sell and Tim Dykes were also late finishers in the opening round who had a shot at the lead. Sell (Wrag Barn GC) began on the back nine with four birdies to move to three under at the turn. A bogey at the first hole was a setback but one he overcame well with back-to-back birdies from the sixth hole for his 68. Dykes (Wrexham GC) also began with three birdies on the back nine, and after cancelling out his first dropped shot of the day at the second with a birdie at the third, an eagle at the fifth looked to have snared the Wrexham man the lead in the final group of the day, but a bogey at the sixth dashed that hope and he had to settle for a share of the lead.

Q School runner-up Lee Clarke is joined by namesake Jack one stroke behind the leaders at three under par. Jack began steadily on the back nine until he bogeyed the 15th but the recovery was instant and a second birdie at 18 saw him go through the turn at one under. Three birdies in his first five holes down the home straight saw him join the leaders, but a bogey at the sixth means he had to settle for a round of 69.

Lee (Everbuild Building Products) was in the three-ball that followed Jack and he too went through the turn at one under, albeit in more dramatic style with four birdies and three bogeys – two further birdies at the second and fifth holes saw him match Jack’s effort. Irishman Michael McGeady registered four birdies in his round of 69, while the highlight of Nick McCarthy’s (Moortown) three under par round was an eagle at the par-five 11th. McGeady’s fellow countryman Paul O’Hanlon (Curragh), playing with Dykes, recorded his sixth birdie of the day on his last hole to complete the list of five players one shot adrift.

Gary King (Tyrells Wood) looked to be heading for the outright lead after starting on the back nine and moving through 12 holes at five under par. A double bogey at the par three fourth was his first misstep in the round but a birdie at the sixth left him at four under with three holes to play, before a bogey-bogey finish undid his earlier good work.

Joining King at two under par is Daniel Gaunt, winner of the season opener at Wensum Valley in April. Gaunt too began well on the back nine, three under through nine thanks to four birdies but the front nine was less forgiving, where he kicked off bogey-birdie before dropping two more shots before the last, where he gained a valuable sixth birdie of the day. PGA EuroPro Tour favourites Elliot Saltman (Aegon) and Matthew Ford (Marriott Tudor Park) are among the dozen players who shot two-under par rounds of 70.

Live scoring from the second round of The Pandora 2010 Open from Burhill GC in Surrey is available at www.europrotour.com from 7.30am on Thursday morning – you can also find the full first round leader board.

Martin gets the edge

MARTIN Edge called the shots in the opening event on the Lancashire Players’ Tour with a seven-under-par 65 at Fleetwood.

The Hesketh assistant professional dropped a stroke at the first hole then ripped the course apart with six birdies and an eagle at the 15th.

Haigh Hall’s ever-consistent Alan Crompton was runner-up with 66 as county PGA secretary Jeff Mathews, from Mytton Fold, tied third with matchplay champion Barry Taylor, an assistant at Houghwood, a shot further back.

Top trainee was Ashton-in-Makerfield’s Liam Kenealy who signed for a 70.

DETAILS (Par = 72): 65 Martin Edge (Hesketh); 67 Alan Crompton (Haigh Hall); 68 Jeff Mathews (Mytton Fold), Barry Taylor (Houghwood); 69 Tim Rich (Royal Lytham & St Annes); 70 Chris Mathews (Mytton Fold), Mark Bradley (Chorley), Simon Townend (Wilpshire), Chris Holt (Knott End), Lee Rooke (Vale of Llangollen).

Woodruff hits back after shaky start

LANCASTER assistant Richard Woodruff thought he’d blown his chance of playing in the De Vere PGA North Region Championship when he dropped four shots in as many holes in the west qualifying round at Heron’s Reach.

But he repaired the damage with an eagle at the fifth followed by a birdie on his way to a three-under-par 69, matched by Runcorn’s Kevin Hartley, to lead the 27 qualifiers who will return to the Blackpool course for the tournament on September 29-30.

Hartley had a stroke of luck when he holed his approach shot to the 377-yard 11th and also picked up a couple of birdies.

Stockport assistant Jamie Storey was third, one off the pace.

Meanwhile, Eastham Lodge’s Matthew Shea birdied the last two holes at Sale to win the De Vere Leeds Cup west qualifier with a five-under-par 65.

Storey was in a three-way tie for second place on 68 with Abergele’s Stuart Runcie and Dukinfield professional David Green.

A total of 33 earned the right to peg up at De Vere Oulton Hall on August 25-26.

Oceânico Golf Announce World Kids Golf 2010

Oceânico Golf is delighted to welcome some of golf’s stars of tomorrow to the Algarve.

April 1st 2010 – The critically acclaimed Oceânico Victoria course plays regular host to some of golf’s current stars of the game at the European Tour’s Portugal Masters. This summer however will see the return of some of the stars of tomorrow in the Oceânico World Kids Golf Championship, an event that caught the imagination of almost 100 youngsters from around Europe in 2009.

Following on the success of last year’s event the Portuguese Golf Federation is once again sanctioning the event and coordinating support with some of Europe’s most established golf federations. The event welcomes competitors from a variety of age groups for boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 18, with competition categories being determined by both age and gender. Kids aged 10 years and over will compete over 18 holes each day, while children under 10 years will play 9 holes on each of the three competition days.

By creating the feel of a professional ‘Tour’ event the Oceânico World Kids Golf Championship will count each player’s gross score for their Championship total, and prizes will be awarded for the first three competitors in each age category, for both boys and girls.

“We are thrilled to be hosting this event once again. Last year was a huge success with an impressive standard of golf being played. We want to make this as fun an event as possible, whilst creating a championship feel for the kids. We have aimed to create and grow an event that will establish its place on the ever expanding world junior golf stage. We are confident we will see the events largest field this year and will see some of amateur golf’s finest youngsters join us,” commented Chris Stilwell, Oceânico Golf’s CEO.

The Oceânico World Kids Golf Championship will welcome young golfers from across the globe to test their skills over three of Oceânico’s fantastic championship courses in the Algarve; Oceânico Faldo, Oceânico O’Connor Jnr and Oceânico Pinhal between the 26th- 30th July 2010.

The Oceânico World Kids Golf Championship confirms Oceânico’s dedication to supporting golf across all levels of the game, from the world’s elite Touring Professionals in the Portugal Masters, to grass roots level with the Oceânico World Kids Golf Championship. As the profile of the Oceânico World Kids Golf Championship grows, further venues from Oceânico’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ located across the Algarve region, can be utilized to provide further championship venues.

Up to 1000 junior competitors could be catered for across Oceânico’s extensive portfolio in the Algarve, including the Oceânico Victoria golf course, which will once again host the Portugal Masters in October.

As well as the impeccable condition of the golf courses on offer at Amendoeira Golf Resort and in Vilamoura, guests and competitors will also be able to enjoy the luxurious accommodation and off-course amenities, such as flat and crown bowling greens, championship tennis courts and a gymnasium.

Exclusive accommodation packages are available for competitors and accompanying adults, and can be tailored to cater for every guest’s requirements. Packages start from €460* for 7 nights luxury self catering accommodation and for more information on accommodation packages please contact: info.packages@oceanicogroup.com (Tel: +351 289 320 525).

*Prices based on a minimum of four people sharing a two bedroom apartment

For further information on Oceânico Golf, log-on to www.oceanicogolf.com

Gents Opens at Patshull Park Golf Club

We are pleased to advise you that entries are now open for two highly prestigious events to be played at Patshull Park Golf Club later this year.

The 'Derrick Clark' Gents Pairs Open will take place on Sunday 11th July whilst the 'Peter Hadley' Gents Pairs Open will be played on Sunday 12th September.

Both events are extremely popular so early booking is highly recommended. Each event is a 4BBB for men aged 18 years and over with a handicap no higher than 24.

A 2-course carvery meal is included in the entry-fee of just £45 per pair!

Entry-forms for both competitions can be found here

Patshull Park Hotel, Golf and Country Club is situated midway between Telford and Wolverhampton in secluded Shropshire countryside. The Hotel was built in the grounds of Patshull Hall, with the Capability Brown designed parkland now forming the stunning 18 hole championship golf course.

Enter one of the above events and you will love taking on the challenge of the superb golf course, enjoy some good food and can be sure of having a great day.

Sidmouth Golf Club Gents Open

Gents Team Open at Sidmouth Golf Club!

Entries are now open for this popular competition, that will be played on Friday 9th July, with early entries recommended.

The format is a 3-Ball Team Medal and is open to players with a maximum handicap of 28. The best score is to count on each hole and a 3/4 handicap allowance will be in operation. There is a guaranteed visitors prize and catering will be available all day.

The cost of entry is great value at just £45 per team of three - an entry-form can be found here.

Sidmouth is a J H Taylor designed course and enjoys wonderful sea views from its undulating fairways, and there are beautiful scenes to be savoured throughout the 18 holes. Almost uniquely amongst courses on this stretch of coast, they are enjoyed from a position usually sheltered from strong winds, and offer the perfect challenge for the golfing novice as well as the more accomplished golfer.

Euxton Park Par 3 Golf Opens

Amongst some of the new events just listed on Golf Empire we would like to provide further details about four 18-hole events to be held on the fabulous Par 3 course at Euxton Park Golf Centre.

The 9-hole, par 3 course at Euxton Park Golf Centre is named 'Sleepy Meadow' and as the name suggests is a picturesque and tranquil little course.

Alternative teeing positions on 9-hole courses are unusual and this is just one of the reasons that the course is a delight to play for high and low handicap players alike.

The course offers a taste of anything you might expect to find on a distinguished 18-hole course. Such things as large bunkers, deep pot bunkers, long holes, short holes, firm and fast greens, ponds, streams, raised tees, large and small greens & mature trees.

The first event will be played on Sunday 30th May and is a Junior Open. This is followed by a Seniors Open the following Sunday (6th June) and a Ladies Open on Sunday 13th. Finally, a Gents Open takes place on Sunday 20th June.

All events are Individual Medals played over 18 holes with big prizes to be won. The entry-fee is just £8 for each competition with a handicap limit of 36 in place. Entry-forms for all tournaments can be found here.

Charity Golf Day at Chorlton-cum-Hardy

There are still some places available in the Charity Team Open at Chorlton-cum-Hardy Golf Club that will take place on Sunday 30th May 2010.

The 4-person team competition is in aid of the Lady Captain's Charity, The Francis House Children's Hospice, and promises a fabulous day of golf and food.

The event is open to men and ladies (any combination) with maximum handicaps of 24 and 30 respectively. The cost of £140 per team (just £35 per person) represents very good value as this includes a delicious meal after your round.

The competition is a 1pm shotgun start with the best 2 Stableford scores to count on each hole.

Full details and an entry-form can be found here but hurry as the tournament is just over a week away!

Francis House, located in Didsbury, is a very special place and provides care for children and young adults with life-threatening conditions.

Chorlton-cum-Hardy is a challenging 18-hole, par 70, parkland course, set in the grounds of historic Barlow Hall.

Described as an oasis in the heart of the city this splendid course winds its way down narrow fairways and around the banks of the river Mersey. Located in such tranquil surroundings, it is difficult to believe that you are just 4 miles from Manchester city centre and in close proximity to the M60 motorway network.

With four par 3's and two par 5's that stretch the course to just below 6,000 yards, it is a great test for any golfer.

£20 for a 4-Ball at The KP Golf Club on Monday 24th May

Yes, you did read the headline right, you have a "one off chance" to play the well-acclaimed KP Golf Club for £20 per 4-Ball.... that's not £20 per player, that's £20 per 4-Ball!

This red hot golf deal at one of Yorkshire's most stunning championship courses is only available on the 24th May - next Monday - so hurry!! (see below to book)

For those of you that haven’t played there before, the course (in Pocklington near York) has a great layout with some really good holes. The views from the venue are something pretty special, in fact, the clubhouse has to be one of the best I have visited in the UK, if not Europe. To endorse it’s appeal, the SkySports televised Trilby Tour is to be hosted there in a few weeks time.

Since taking over as Director of Golf at the KP Club, Aaron Pheasant has made many positive changes to the course and continues to keep the Pro Shop well stocked with an array of clothing and hardware to suit every pocket. Aaron said, “we continue to be successful because of our willingness to welcome golfers of all levels and eagerness to ensure every visit to the KP Club is a memorable one.

Want to Take Part?
Please note this limited offer is available on a 1st come, 1st served basis only and bookings for this cannot be made directly with the KP Club.

If you want to reserve a place the only way to do so is to email me direct on kpoffer@golfempire.co.uk with your full name and contact phone number. After this is received you will be called back to take your booking information and for full payment of £20 by debit/credit card. You will then receive a booking confirmation by email, which you should bring to the course on the day at least 45 minutes before your allotted tee time.

If you don't have 4 players don't worry, you can play in 2's and 3's and you will still be charged £20. The £20 fee is strictly non refundable under any circumstances including bad weather, however if the course is closed due to bad weather the event will be rescheduled at no extra cost to the booker. Local rules will be offered on the day and you are expected to wear normal golf attire.

Fairfield Golf Club 2010 Open Competitions

Founded in 1892, the course at Fairfield Golf Club has always presented a good test of golf. Now, having gone an £1.8m redevelopment the venue has been transformed into a truly memorable and challenging golf course with some real 'risk and reward' shots.

Located in Audenshaw, Manchester the club are holding 8 open competitions during 2010 including their Festival Week.

Firstly, a Ladies Team Open will take place on Monday 14th June. It is a Team of 4 Stableford with a handicap limit of 36. Entry is very good value at just £36 per team. Places are expected to fill quickly for this event but an entry-form can be found here to secure your place.

The 'Festival Open Week' during September is expected to receive huge demand and early booking is highly recommended.

The week of golf kicks-off with a Ladies Pairs Open on Monday 20th September costing £18 per pair. It is a Betterball Stableford for ladies with a handicap no higher than 36. An entry-form can be found here.

A Senior Pairs Open for men aged 55+ is held the following day which is also a Betterball Stableford but with a handicap limit of 28 and an entry-fee of £22 per pair (includes 2's sweep). An entry-form can be found here.

A Gents Pairs Open will be played on the Wednesday (22nd) for men with a maximum handicap of 28. Again the cost of entry is £22 per pair. An entry-form can be found here.

The annual Pro-Am takes place on the Thursday and at £150 represents good value at £150 per team for 3 amateurs and 1 professional. It is open to me n (max handicap 28) and ladies (max handicap 36). An entry-form can be found here.

A Gents Team Open will be played on the Friday (24th). This is an Am-Am for men with a maximum handicap of 28. The cost of entry is £44 per team of 4. An entry-form can be found here.

On Saturday 25th September a Gents Singles Stableford tournament will be held, and with the entry-fee just £11, it is expected to attract a large field. An entry-form can be found here.

Finally, a Mixed Pairs Open will conclude the week on Sunday 26th September. This is a Betterball Stableford for couples with handicaps no higher than 28 (men) and 36 (ladies). Entry is £22 per pair. An entry-form can be found here.

Open Events at Letchworth Golf Club

Three superb open events will be played at Letchworth Golf Club later this year.

The first is their Junior Open on Thursday 22nd July. This competition is a 36 hole Individual Strokeplay competition open to boys and girls aged 12 to 18 on the 1st January 2010. The cost of entry is £20 which includes lunch and tea on the day plus a courtesy round on the 19th July. Full details and an entry-form for the boys event can be found here and the girls event here

The next tournament is the Gents Seniors Open for the Heritage Foundation & K Hammond Salver. This will take place on Thursday 16th September and very early booking is advised. Entry is £35 per person but golfers must be aged 55+ and have a handicap no higher than 18.4. The format is an Individual Medal combined with Stableford and includes coffee & biscuits on arrival and a 2-course meal after your round. Full details and an entry-form can be found here

Finally, on Sunday 10th October the ever-popular Mixed Pairs Open will be held. Although still a few months away you will need to get your entry-form in early if you are to secure a place in this competition. Entry is excellent value at just £55 per couple with the event taking a Greensome Stableford format. Handicap limits are 20 (men) and 30 (ladies). Tea/coffee & sandwiches are provided on arrival with an evening meal rounding the day off. Full details and an entry-form can be found here

Letchworth Golf Club is a well-established parkland course tucked into the leafy suburbs of Letchworth Garden City. It is noted for its tight fairways, mature trees, cross-bunkers and fast greens.

It is in an ideal location in North East Hertfordshire with good access routes via the A1(M) and approx 30 miles north of London.

Junior Open at Cardross Golf Club

Entries are now being taken for the very popular Junior Open at Cardross Golf Club.

The Individual Strokeplay tournament will be held on Wednesday 28th July and has an entry-fee of just £6. It is open to boys and girls with maximum handicaps of 28 and 36 respectively.

Early booking is highly recommended if you want to secure your place in this fabulous event.


Players must be under 18 on the 1st Jan 2010 and an entry-form can be found here.

Cardross Golf Club was founded in 1895. The current golf course layout benefited from design changes recommended by James Braid, which were implemented in 1921.

The venue, one of the finest in the West of Scotland, has also played host to the Scottish Professional Championships in 1992, which was won by the then future Open Champion Paul Lawrie.

Generous undulating fairways and large deciduous trees are features of the golf course and it tends to play much longer than the yardage suggests.

Sponsorship boost for regional professionals

THE season just gets better and better for PGA North Region professionals.

Titleist-Footjoy have confirmed they will sponsor the Order of Merit, which features a record eight tournaments, and have offered one-year playing deals to the top six.

And the company have also agreed to provide shoe and ball contracts to the leading three players in the Assistants’ Order of Merit.

Additionally, Surrey-based The Golf Business, for whom Ian Poulter’s brother Danny is course guide manager, will hand out clothing contracts to the top two in the merit and to the leading assistant.

And assistants will also benefit from £3,000 cash injection by range finders SkyCaddie, a PGA partner, who have donated a similar amount to all seven regions.

“We are certainly bucking the trend this season despite the economic situation,” said regional secretary Graham Maly.

“SkyCaddie’s input means we can revive the Assistants’ Championship after an absence of several years though lack of funding.”

The 36-hole tournament will be played at De Vere Mottram Hall on August 10 and more extra money will be provided to boost the prize-fund.

Cheetham finishes the job

NEIL Cheetham led from the front to win the Kerr Investments Cumbria Classic and move to the top of the PGA North Region Order of Merit which he won for the second time last season.

The former Dore & Totley head professional, who is still attached to the Sheffield club as he divides playing schedule between home and the South African Sunshine Tour, followed up his opening 65 at Carlisle with a 67 at Penrith.

An eight-under-par total gave him a two-shot advantage over the rest of the field headed by Haigh Hall’s Craig Corrigan, who fired a brace of 67s, in the first of the season’s eight ranking events.

Two further back was Mytton Fold’s Jeff Mathews along with another regular winner David Shacklady from Mossock Hall.

Cheetham, 40, got off to a flying start at Penrith when he holed his approach for an eagle two at the second then added birdies at the sixth and 11th.

His only bogeys over two rounds came at the 13th and 16th by which time he was well on the way a timely victory as he heads to Wentworth next week for the BMW PGA Championship.

LEADING SCORES: 132 Neil Cheetham (Dore & Totley) 65 67;134 Craig Corrigan (Haigh Hall) 67 67; 136 Jeff Mathews (Mytton Fold) 68 68, David Shacklady (Mossock Hall) 67 69; 137 Mike Nesbit (Westerhope) 74 63, Aran Wainwright (Mid Yorks) 70 67.

Northern Order of Merit after Hesketh

Below is the latest Northern Order of Merit table following The Hesketh Henriques Tournament.

James Robinson , S&A = 355 points
Ian Winstanley , Formby = 275
Mark Young , Longridge = 195
Tommy Fleetwood , Formby Hall = 150
Paul Howard , S&A = 150
Simon Robinson , Heysham = 150
Jon Hurst , Shaw Hill = 115
James Cook , Royal Liverpool = 100
Paul Kinnear , Formby = 100
Jay McGarvey , Whitefield = 100
Ritchie Blundell , Hillside = 90
Sean Towndrow , S&A = 80
Tom Graves , West Lancs = 75
Andrew Palmer , Chorley = 75
Thomas Winn , Morecambe = 75
James Wilson , Formby = 60
Michael Hearn , Chorley = 60
Mike Bedford , Prestbury = 60
Adam Wills , Sandiway = 55
Mark Rabone , S&A = 50
Adam Andrews , Ashton-in-Makerfield = 50
Paul Woodhouse , Lancaster = 50
Henry Tomlinson , Royal Lytham = 45
Paul D Williams , Hillside = 45
Paul McFerran , Childwall = 45
Curtis Dean , St Annes Old Links = 40
James Martin , San Roque = 40
Fred Jewsbury , Ladbroke Park = 40
David Peel , Stockport = 40
John Carroll , Huyton & Prescot = 40
Paul Lowey , Rowany = 30
Daniel Sefton , Lancaster = 30
Greg McIlroy , S&A = 30
Graham Roberts , Eaton = 25
Steve Hindle , Ellesmere = 25
Sean Mills , Sandiway = 25
Liam Connelly , West Lancs = 20
Russell Heyhoe , Burgham Park = 20
David Jones , Ramsey = 20
Lee Merson , Denton = 20
Peter Nicholson , Vicars Cross = 15
Steve McGlynn , Blackburn = 15
Kevin Kean , Ashton-on-Mersey = 10
Chris Heslop , Chipping Norton = 10

The Gtour is pleased to announce 4 exciting majors for the 2010 series

Building on the success of the 2009 series, 2010 will see more events, more venues and at least 4 Majors in association with the Gtour partners.

The 1st Gtour Major of 2010 is the eagerly anticipated Gtour Srixon Masters at De Vere Slaley Hall, on the Hunting course often described as England's Augusta of the North.

Following in quick succession we are also pleased to also announce the following Gtour Majors

- The Gtour De Vere Invitational will take place at De Vere Dunston Hall on Saturday 17th July 2010

- The Gtour Golfbreaks.com Cup will take place at De Vere Wokefield Park on Saturday 28th August 2010

- The Gtour Aphrodite Hills Open will take place at the Manor House on Friday 15th October 2010

The events are open to all golfers whether club members or not and for handicaps scratch to 28 and 36 for men and women respectively. The Gtour provides a competitive tour format whilst still providing a great social atmosphere to ensure all fully enjoy the experience of playing golf at the next level. For many who have not experienced competitive golf before the Gtour is the first choice and a must play event.

Colin Asbury, Tournament Director said 'With 3 sell out events so far in 2010 we are excited about the upcoming majors. Backed by the Gtour partners the Majors give existing players and new participants that chance to gain some ground on those above them on the Order of Merit. To hold the 1st Major at De Vere Slaley Hall without doubt one of the most popular stops on the 2009 Gtour should make for a very exciting and enjoyable round for everybody involved. The par 4 9th is without doubt one of the most beautiful golf holes in the UK and a not to be missed golfing experience'.

For the players taking part the introduction of the 4 Majors will see an increased intensity in the competition for these events with many further prizes on offer. For the winner of the final major at the Gtour Aphrodite Hills Open the winner will walk away with a 3 night break with 2 inclusive rounds of golf at Aphrodite Hills.

Tour player Jonathan Crickmore, said 'Having made a commitment to play as many events on the Gtour as I can this year, I've got to say that I'm loving the atmosphere and camaraderie that I've experienced so far. A word to the wise, it may be relaxed but its competitive too - but most of all its fun.'

For further information and to join the Tour visit www.gtour.co.uk

Simon seals first win

SIMON Robinson became the second first time winner in successive weeks in the Mitsushiba Northern Order of Merit when he claimed the Henriques Trophy in testing conditions at Hesketh.

The Heysham player battled back after an opening 78 to fire a 70 which included four birdies in his first five holes and six-over-par all told to head the field by two shots from Whitefield’s Jay McGarvey.

Mark Young finished fourth to move third in the rankings he narrowly failed to win three times in a row last season.

The Longridge man is 160 points adrift of Lancashire team-mate James Robinson from Southport & Ainsdale.

SCORES (Par = 71): 148 Simon Robinson (Heysham) 78 70; 150 Jay McGarvey (Whitefield) 73 77; 151 Thomas Winn (Morecambe) 74 77; 152 Mark Young (Longridge) 79 73, Paul Woodhouse (Lancaster) 78 74, Paul McFerran (Childwall) 76 76; 153 Sean Towndrow (S&A) 78 75, Paul Williams (Hillside) 75 78, Sean Mills (Sandiway) 74 79; 154 Lee Merson (Denton) 79 75, Steve McGlynn (Blackburn) 76 78; 155 John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot) 83 72.

ORDER OF MERIT: 355pts James Robinson (S&A); 275 Ian Winstanley (Formby); 150 Mark Young (Longridge), Tommy Fleetwood (Formby Hall), Paul Howard (S&A), Simon Robinson (Heysham); 115 Jon Hurst (Shaw Hill), 100 James Cook (Royal Liverpool), Paul Kinnear (Formby), Paul Kinnear (Formby), Jay McGarvey (Whitefield).

Cheetham quick off the mark

NEIL Cheetham began his defence of his PGA North Region Order of Merit title when he fired a flawless a six-under-par 65 to take a two-shot lead in the Kerr Investments Cumbria Classic at Carlisle.

The Dore & Totley attached professional, who spends most of the winter playing in South Africa, rolled in three birdies on each loop as he gave himself a timely tonic ahead of next week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

He goes into the second of two rounds at Penrith, in the first ranking event of the season, pursued by Lancashire trio David Shacklady, from Mossock Hall, Swinton Park’s David Smith and Haigh Hall’s Craig Corrigan.

LEADING SCORES (Par= 71): 65 Neil Cheetham (Dore & Totley); 67 David Shacklady (Mossock Hall), Craig Corrigan (Haigh Hall), David Smith (Swinton Park); 68 Simon Edwards (Windermere), Jeff Mathews (Mytton Fold); 69 Freddy Valenti (Pryors Hayes).

Single Figure Golfer Matchplay entry CLOSES on 30th May

The 2010 Single Figure Golfer Matchplay entry CLOSES on 30th May!

Do you fancy playing against a team of Ryder Cup players, having Free insurance, Free Srixon Z-Star golf balls and 3 Issues of Golf International Magazine?

All this is available for £49 with your SFG Tour card. As well as the benefits of owning an SFG Tour Card if you make the final you’ll also get all this:

· 3 day trip to Trevose in North Cornwall (18th – 20th October)
· Practice round
· Two days competitive golf against the Pro-Challenge Team
· Two nights accommodation and food
· Gala dinner with the Pro Challenge Team
· SFG Team Glenmuir polo shirts and jumpers
· Personal Tailored trousers by Newland Tailoring
· Your own personal Caddy and Caddy bib
· Srixon carry bag, glove and balls

With over 80 qualifying tournaments, a separate matchplay event and SFG Major tournaments why not see what all the fuss is about? Find out more.

Mansell finishes in style

DAVID Mansell had a real up and down day in the De Vere Leeds Cup east qualifying round at Oulton Hall.

The Wakefield professional birdied the last two holes to take his total to six as he returned a two-under-par 69 which also included a double bogey at the 16th.

He was a shot ahead of Jon Williamson, from Tadcaster club Scarthingwell as 29 players book their place in the tournament at Oulton Hall on August 24-26.

LEADING SCORES (Par= 71): 69 David Mansell (Wakefield); 70 Jon Williamson (Scarthingwell); 71 Jamie Garner (Sandfield GR), Adam Scott (Cleveland), Jamie Ashworth (American Golf).

Northern Order of Merit Table

The latest Northern Order of Merit Table can be seen below after 4 events.

James Robinson , S&A = 355 points
Ian Winstanley , Formby = 275
Tommy Fleetwood , Formby Hall = 150
Paul Howard , S&A = 150
Mark Young , Longridge = 135
Jon Hurst , Shaw Hill = 115
James Cook , Royal Liverpool = 100
Paul Kinnear , Formby = 100
Richie Blundell , Hillside = 90
Tom Graves , West Lancs = 75
Andrew Palmer , Chorley = 75
James Wilson , Formby = 60
Michael Hearn , Chorley = 60
Mike Bedford , Prestbury = 60
Adam Wills , Sandiway = 55
Mark Rabone , S&A = 50
Adam Andrews , Ashton-in-Makerfield = 50
Henry Tomlinson , Royal Lytham = 45
Sean Towndrow , S&A = 40
Curtis Dean , St Annes Old Links = 40
James Martin , San Roque = 40
Fred Jewsbury , Ladbroke Park = 40
David Peel , Stockport = 40
John Carroll , Huyton & Prescot = 30
Paul Lowey , Rowany = 30
Daniel Sefton , Lancaster = 30
Greg McIlroy , S&A = 30
Graham Roberts , Eaton = 25
Steve Hindle , Ellesmere = 25
Liam Connelly , West Lancs = 20
Russell Heyhoe , Burgham Park = 20
David Jones , Ramsey = 20
Paul D Williams , Hillside = 15
Peter Nicholson , Vicars Cross = 15
Kevin Kean , Ashton-on-Mersey = 10
Chris Heslop , Chipping Norton = 10

Howard’s way at Hillside

PAUL Howard won his first Mitsushiba Northern Order of Merit title after a tight finish in the Pines Trophy at Hillside.

The Southport and Ainsdale plus one man got the verdict on countback, his second round 71 denying Shaw Hill’s Jon Hurst who paired a 73 with his opening 70 for a one-under-par total.

Howard lagged two shots behind the Lancashire player at the half-way stage, his 72 including a crucial birdie at the last which partly atoned for a double bogey at the 14th.

And his victory would have been more decisive but for dropping a stroke on the final green in the afternoon.

Formby’s Ian Winstanley finish third, a shot off the pace, but stayed in second place in the merit behind Howard’s clubmate James Robinson.

SCORES (Par = 72): 143 Paul Howard (S&A) 72 71, Jon Hurst (Shaw Hill) 70 73; 144 Ian Winstanley (Formby) 73 71; 147 Mike Bedford (Prestbury) 72 75; 148 Michael Hearn (Chorley) 78 70; 149 James Robinson (S&A) 78 71, David Peel (Stockport) 77 72; 150 Greg McIlroy (S&A) 77 73, Steve Hindle (Ellesmere) 75 75, Ritchie Blundell (Hillside) 71 79; 151 Peter Nicholson (Vicars Cross) 80 71, Adam Wills (Sandiway) 77 74.

ORDER OF MERIT: 355pts James Robinson (S&A); 275 Ian Winstanley (Formby); 150 Tommy Fleetwood (Formby Hall), Paul Howard (S&A); 135 Mark Young (Longridge); 115 Jon Hurst (Shaw Hill), 100 James Cook (Royal Liverpool), Paul Kinnear (Formby); 90 70 Ritchie Blundell (Hillside); 75 Tom Graves (West Lancs), Andrew Palmer (Chorley); 60 James Wilson (Formby), Michael Hearn (Chorley), Mike Bedford (Prestbury).

Danny turns on the gas

DANNY Lord made a dream start – and finish – to the Phoenix Gas Classic west qualifier at De Vere Wychwood Park.

The Lancashire-based professional eagled the first hole then repeated the feat at the last but between he picked up six bogeys and four birdies as he posted a two-under-par 70.

He shared first place with North East exile Gary Donnison, the Mobberley incumbent and 2003 PGA North Region champion who had as less adventurous round containing five birdies and three bogeys.

Eight players were a shot off the pace with 39 qualified on 75 or better for the tournament at the same venue on July 7-9.

The east qualifier is at Keighley on May 17.

LEADING SCORES (Par= 72): 70 Gary Donnison (Mobberley), Danny Lord (unatt); 71 Mark Smith (Stamford), Rob Cullen (Leasowe), Geoff Berry (Bromborough), Richard Daniels (Myerscough College), Graham McEwan (Longridge), John O’Neil (Huyton & Prescot), David Green (Dukinfield), Martyn Hamer (Ellesmere). 39 qualified on 75 or better.

Am-Am Opens at Normanton Golf Club

We are delighted to give you more information about two excellent events at Normanton Golf Club later this year.

The first event will take place on Saturday 17th July and is a Team Am-Am Open. The 4-person competition has an entry-fee of just £60 per team which can be gents, ladies or mixed. Handicap limits are 24 (men) and 36 (ladies) with a 3/4 allowance in operation. Tee slots are already filling up, so be quick if you want to play. Full details and an entry-form can be found here.

The second competition is exactly the same format and will be held on Friday 1st October. Although it is still a few months away places are limited and early booking is advised. Full details and an entry-form can be found here.

Both tournaments have excellent prize tables.

Normanton Golf Club boasts an 18 hole championship course which occupies 145 acres of the Hatfeild Hall Estate near Wakefield. Designed by Patrick Dawson, a course architect for part of the Augusta national course in America, it offers a true test of golfing ability.

Established in 1903, the 6200 yard layout offers a blend of parkland and elevations. The course incorporates impressive lakes and benefits from sympathetic preservations of long established trees and wildlife. The large undulating greens are built to U.S.G.A. standards and complement the attractive and challenging course.

THE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB CHALLENGE TO OFFICIALLY UNVEIL 'THE LEE WESTWOOD CUP' AT O2 GOLF LIVE AT STOKE PARK

Visit O2 Golf Live from the 14th to 16th May and Be Among the First to See the Stunning 'Lee Westwood Cup'

The National Golf Club Challenge has been invited to exhibit at the forthcoming O2 Golf Live event, which will take place at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire from 14th to the 16th May 2010.

In line with the aim of O2 Golf Live - "to bring golfers closer to the action than ever before" - the Challenge team will mark the event by unveiling the stunning 'Lee Westwood Cup'.

The National Golf Club Challenge trophy, created and donated by Wedgwood in support of Help for Heroes, has gone through an intensive sixteen week process from design through modelling to construction and stands as a magnificent symbol of the UK golfing community coming together to raise funds for our injured armed forces.

The impressive 'Lee Westwood Cup' has been hand thrown and turned out of blue Jasper and hand decorated with white bas-relies golfing and military figures forming the main design features.

Commenting on giving his name to the trophy, Lee Westwood said, "I am honoured to become patron to the Challenge and deeply humbled to be asked by Wedgwood to name the National Golf Club Challenge Trophy 'The Lee Westwood Cup', continuing Wedgwood's long tradition of naming their stunning trophies after some of the most iconic golfers the world has ever seen."

In addition to unveiling the National Golf Club Challenge trophy, the Challenge stand at O2 Golf Live will also be displaying the three outstanding World Golf Championship Event Trophies; 'The Walter Hagen Cup' from the Accenture World Match Play, 'The Gary Player Cup' from the Bridgestone Invitational and 'The Gene Sarazen Cup' from the CA Championship.

James Goode, Event Director for O2 Golf Live commented, "Golf Live is delighted that The National Golf Club Challenge will be present at the event this year in support of Help for Heroes. I know that the world championship trophies will be a massive hit and look forward to seeing them in real life."

Speaking about their involvement, Gerry O'Keeffe, manager for Sports and Special markets at Wedgwood (WWRD) said, "In designing the World Golf Championship trophies, not only did we want to create beautiful trophies that would be worthy of these great tournaments, we also wanted to create iconic pieces to which some of the great contributors to the game of golf, pioneering players who have represented all that is good about the game, would be pleased to lend their name.".

"From great players of the past to great players of today," Gerry continued. "Lee Westwood exemplifies the professionalism of the modern day game displaying all the hallmarks of the truly great sportsman, the perfect candidate to carry on the tradition and lend his name to another great trophy."

The 'Lee Westwood Cup' will be showcased within the main hub at O2 Golf Live which forms the focal point for all visitors.

Stacey Jeffries, Event Director for The National Golf Club Challenge said "Golf Live is a spectacular way for golfers to get an interactive experience with some of the game's greatest golfers and we have been keen to link ourselves to this sensational event from the outset. We are deeply honoured and humbled to be invited to showcase not only the stunning 'Lee Westwood Cup' but also the three spectacular World Golf Championship Event Trophies."

The National Golf Club Challenge - to be held on the 24th and 25th July - will bring hundreds of golf clubs and thousands of golfers together on the same weekend as part of a nationwide charity golf event.

The aim of the National Golf Club Challenge is to raise over £1 million for the Help for Heroes charity. Golf clubs throughout the UK are invited to participate by turning their club's monthly Stableford event into a Help for Heroes fundraiser.

The competing clubs will submit their aggregate scores from their 10 best scoring players to the Challenge organisers, who will determine the top 6 golf clubs against standard scratch and invite them to take part in the National Final for some outstanding tournament prizes, including golfing
holidays to Egypt.

The Grand Final, sponsored by YourGolfTravel.com, will be held on 11th and 12th October at The Belfry, one of the world's leading golf resorts, and four times host to the Ryder Cup.

For more information about The National Golf Club Challenge, including how to register your golf club, go to www.nationalgolfclubchallenge.org.uk or www.ngcc2010.com.

For more information on the Help for Heroes charity and the work they do please visit their website: www.helpforheroes.org.uk