Old pal's act key to Shacklady’s title bid

The omens are looking good for David Shacklady’s quest to win his first PGA North Region Championship when the action moves to Carus Green next week.

Last season the Mossock Hall man won the Cumbria Open at the Kendal club.

And he reckons he can prevail there again with a little help from his friend Simon Edwards, professional at nearby Windermere.

“I've not played particularly brilliantly since the start of the year, despite a couple of wins, and despite working hard for the last few weeks I must admit I've struggled a bit," he admitted.

“I asked Simon for some advice and that's helped but I'll be staying with him during the tournament so I'll be picking his brains. He'll go over what I'm not doing but should be doing!

“But my game's not too far off from where I want it to be so hopefully it should be just about right in time for the event. And winning there last year is a good incentive.”

Ironically, Edwards could be the 48-year-old triple regional Order of Merit winner’s biggest rival after the Welshman’s impressive start to the season.

He's won three pro-ams in as many months in Portugal, Kiawah Island and the PGA North's England Golf Coast three-day event played over Formby, West Lancs and Royal Birkdale.

More than 90 professionals will battle for honours in the 36-hole tournament at Carus Green on May 30-31 which will be preceded by a pro-am.

The club, which has undergone a £2m revamp, hosts the event for the first time as part of a three-year deal.

Shacklady added: “It's an amazing set-up and you'd have to go a long way to beat the facilities. And the clubhouse is fantastic.”

Four past champions in the field are Paul Carman (John Letters Academy), Craig Corrigan (Chilli Dip), Ryan O'Neill (Penwortham) and Michael Jones (Royal Liverpool).