New pro-am gets 'green' light

PGA North will break new ground when they stage the Campey Pro-Greenkeeper Challenge at Lancashire club Hart Common on April 8.

The event was instigated by professional Steve Parry (above) and owner Peter Roberts who were keen to showcase the redesigned course at Westhoughton which has been described as a hidden gem.

“We’d originally planned a demo day but when Peter approached Campey Turf Care Systems they agreed to sponsor an event,” said Parry.

“We’ve already had a lot of interest so hopefully it will become an annual fixture.”

Ian Campbell, boss of the Macclesfield-based company which also services football grounds, will demonstrate his state-of-the-art machines while his 15-year-old son Liam represents him in the competition.

“He’s a better player than me,” he admitted. “And I’m sure the day will be a success.”

Teams comprise one professional and an amateur, who must be a greenkeeper, and there’s a £3,600 prize-fund based on a full field of 60.