Parry sponsors Royal Lytham showpiece

Steve Parry has decided to put his money where his mouth is and sponsor The PGA in Lancashire Matchplay Championship.              

"I'm always urging the committee to look for backers but it's not easy these days so I volunteered," said the Hart Common PGA Professional.

He owns North West Golf Academy at the Westhoughton club and the competition will run under that banner.

"With the finals at Royal Lytham & St Annes there's a certain amount of kudos about the event. Hopefully, now I've got the ball rolling, a bigger company might come along and take over from me!

"I've played in the event a couple of times but had to withdraw because the later rounds clashed with PGA Europro Tour events I'd entered," added the 35-year-old former Leeds Cup winner.

Pike Fold pro Grant Hamerton holds the title after beating six-time winner Barry Taylor, from Houghwood, last autumn.

This season's semis and final are on October 2.

"We're very grateful to Steve and welcome him to The PGA in Lancashire Partners' Programme," said county secretary Andy Duncan, who also announced the Fourball Championship will be at Bolton Old Links on September 11.

Meanwhile, he's hoping to source sponsorship for the County Championship at Clitheroe on September 26.

A busy season swings into action with a players' tour fixture at Fleetwood on April 7 and it has already attracted a big field.