Big field for Sue Wright Trophy

The Sue Wright Trophy at Cheshire club Helsby on Thursday has attracted one of the biggest entries in its history.

More than 70 professionals will battle for honours in the third of five PGA North Assistants' Challenge competitions.

And the line-up includes all top six players in the Order of Merit, representing each of the four counties.

It's headed by Scott Jackson, a former GB&I and England international from Stockport club Disley who won the opening event at Ilkley. 

He holds a 58-points lead over Hessle's Michael Helyard, while third place Matthew Harrison, from Formby, trails by 32.

Attempting to bridge the gap are Hesketh's Curtis Dean, Warrington-based Liam Hunt and North East hope Jonathan Levey, from Matfen Hall who's 145 points off the pace.

But with 270 points on offer this week any one of the contenders can make headway.

The tournament is dedicated to the memory of Sue Wright, who died in a motor accident nearly 20 years ago and whose husband Ian was professional at Helsby from 1968 to 1995 from where he moved to Edinburgh club West Linton.

And Thursday will be a memorable day for him, too, because his son Gareth, his assistant, is competing in the Open Championship at Muirfield after qualifying at North Berwick.

Gareth was runner-up in the 2010 Scottish PGA Championship and his dad, who is also his coach, is helping to prepare him for the biggest event of his career.

Meanwhile, the remaining PGA North Assistants' Challenge dates are Aug 15: Bolton; Sept 2-3: Harold Lees Trophy (Dore & Totley).