Moortown to host Leeds Cup
20/01/2015
The oldest trophy in professional golf is set to celebrate its 100th staging by visiting one of the most historic golf courses in Britain.
The Leeds Cup will head to Moortown, the venue of the very first Ryder Cup in the British Isles in 1929 (below), on July 29-30.
The cup was presented to The PGA on its formation in 1901 by the Lord Mayor of Leeds to be competed for annually by professional golfers. Open champion Harry Vardon was the first to have his name inscribed on it at Cobble Hall.
Suspended during the Second World War, the trophy survived the hostilities in-tact after it was buried on the Lancashire coast in an icebox by 1939 champion Bill Davies.
Moortown itself would provide a four-time winner in the shape of Brian Hutchinson, who dominated the trophy between 1968 and 1972.
Appropriately most recent winners are Yorkshiremen - former European Tour players Nick Ludwell, from Selby, in 2013 and Waterfront Golf's Ben Mason last year.
**Samuel Ryder presents Great Britain captain George Duncan with the 1929 Ryder Cup following their victory at Moortown.
PGA (North) secretary Graham Maly said: "This is truly a unique tournament and this year's is extra special as we mark reaching the 100th milestone.
"We are hoping to negotiate funding from individuals and companies for both title and support sponsorship for this very special occasion which will be preceded by a pro-am which presents another opportunity to become involved.
"It's wonderful to establish a lasting legacy in the development of professional golf while marketing and promoting their brand to our members and the broader golfing community in association with The PGA."
Maly can be contacted on 01204 496137 or at graham.maly@pga.org.uk or on 01204 496137.
