A record seven Order of Merit events - five more than last year - another packed pro-am schedule and the return of a former sponsor add up to a recession-busting season for the PGA North Region.
De Vere, who put their name to the Leeds Cup and regional championship for more than a decade, have restored their relationship after a five-year absence and agreed to underpin the two flagship tournaments.
"It's a fantastic deal and it hails the start an exciting new era for us," said regional secretary Graham Maly.
New to the calendar is the Phoenix Gas Classic at De Vere Wychwood Park on July 7-8 in a sponsorship initiated with the Midlands-based energy company by the club's PGA professional Jon Farmer.
"That's the first ranking event and we anticipate the prize-fund will be about £13,000," said Maly, who revealed the Spirotech Manchester Open at Marriott Worsley Park on August 3-5 will carry a £15,000 purse.
The Leeds Cup moves from Cobble Hall back to its former home Oulton Hall on August 24-26 and, likewise, the PGA North Region Championship returns to Blackpool's Heron's Reach on September 28-30. De Vere own both venues and will back each tournament to the tune of £12,500.
Jewel in the crown is the long-running Manx Classic 54-hole pro-am on July 29-31, which was such a well-supported event at its new home Mount Murray last year that title sponsors Poker Stars have upped the stakes to £30,000.
For the first time it will count for the Order of Merit and the format will change to one pro, one amateur from its customary four-man team.
In addition, half ranking points will be up for grabs in the Kerr Investments Cumbria Classic at Penrith and Carlisle on May 13-14 and Rocar Moores Fixby Classic at Huddersfield on September 19-20 which are both worth £11,000.
The culmination of the season will see the top three players from the North Region compete in the Srixon PGA Play-Offs at Little Aston for a handful of European Tour starts plus the honour of being the PGA's No 1 player.
Last year's North Region No 1 Neil Cheetham (Dore & Totley), claimed second spot at Little Aston last year, securing his place in the Scottish and Welsh Opens in addition to the flagship BMW PGA Championship.
01 March, 2010