Bennett gets on his bike for charity

Former Leyland and Newark PGA Master Professional Tony Bennett is embarking on a bicycle tour of courses in Portugal to raise funds for the European Disabled Golf Association.

Accompanied by his wife Sue, they will pedal between venues throughout the country, where they are currently based, and will tee up at one hole at each with the target of playing at least 72 before the end of the trip.

He said: "We will complete four rounds in the centre, north, the Algarve and the islands, during which time we expect to cover around 1,200-1,300kms.

"The first shot of the opening round will be at Lisbon on Saturday at the National Golf Centre."

Bennett, who is currently PGAs of Europe director of education and membership, is president of EDGA, a non-profit association comprising 14 Federations and approved organisations in Europe, each of which represent golfers with physical, intellectual or sensory impairment.

He explained: "The aims are to help those who until now have either never played or even thought that golf could be a viable sport, to at least have the opportunity to give it a try and also to provide those with impairment more competitive events."

Bennett, a PGA Master Professional like his dad, added: "The clubs have been very accommodating and almost all have kindly offered to hold a fund-raiser during the year.

"Additionally, we have already received pledges of donations from individuals and sponsorship from companies."

Donations can be sent to www.edgagolf.org