James targets one last hurrah

European Senior and Champions Tour winner Mark James is now gearing up for what could be his final competitive appearance in the north east.

James, the former European Ryder Cup captain tees up in the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship at Close House this week, but admitted that this could be one of the few remaining tournaments of his playing career as he eyes up doing more TV commentary work.

The 61-year-old, was refreshingly honest with his opinions which he shared on a visit to Sunderland Golf Centre, who will be cheering on attached professional Stephen McNally, who is also in the 120 man field.

"This will probably be my last year on the Senior Tour," said James. "I'm looking to move direction to do a bit more TV commentary next year and maybe a bit more corporate stuff.

"This year I hope to play about 10 events and, hopefully do commentary for the BBC at the Open.

“I will be playing at Close House in June."

James was in top form for the clinic demonstrating his skills with the golf club and at one point hitting drives while on his knees in the style of the late Seve Ballesteros.

The ISPS Handa PGA Championship tees off on Thursdayand has a prize fund of £260,000. Spaniard Santiago Luna is the defending champion.