Archer sights set on double tops

Phil Archer will take a stroll down Memory Lane when he pegs up in the PGA North Region Championship at Carus Green later this month.

The Warrington-born professional won the flagship event in 2002 before embarking on a nine-year European Tour career.

He is best known for shooting a score of 60 in the first round at the Celtic Manor Wales Open in 2006 and he also competed twice in the Open Championship and US Open and played in the GB&I team that won the Seve Trophy in 2007.

Archer, attached to Birchwood Golf Club where he took up the game as a youngster, returned to the regional fold this season after a spell on the Challenge Tour.

He will renew acquaintances with many of his former adversaries at the Kendal club on June 15-16 which is hosting the tournament for the second time in a three-year deal.

There are six past winners in the 100-plus field including Matthew Tottey, from North Wales Golf Club, and Snainton’s Alex Belt who prevailed in 2008 and again two years ago.

Chilli Dip Academy’s Craig Corrigan, who claimed the region’s Mike Slater Order of Merit award last season, won in 2005; Penwortham’s Ryan O’Neill took the honour in 2011, and Royal Liverpool’s Michael Jones followed him two years later.

The tournament, which carries a £12,260 prize-fund, will be followed by a pro-am on June 17 which has a pot of £2,700.