Stakes are high in PGA North finale

There's all to play for as the PGA North end-of-season Order of Merit reaches its climax at Cumberland club Carus Green this week (Sept 27-29).

The 36-hole tournament carries a £10,000 prize-fund thanks to The MTS Group which is sponsoring the season’s four ranking events for the first time.

Qualification is based on the region’s top 30 professionals and a close finish is on the cards as Penwortham’s Ryan O’Neill leads Michael Ramsden, the Leeds Cup winner from Renishaw Park, by 3.33 points.

Regional secretary Jonathan Paine said: “The MTS Group has been on board all season which gives our players a reasonable chunk of the prize fund.

“The top three will qualify for the PGA play-offs at Walton Heath at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity for them to stake a place in some tour events.

“Meanwhile, we are continuing our long-standing relationship with Carus Green which will extend to a third day with a pro-am. MTS, who supply golf buggies, are big supporters of PGA North and we are confident the relationship will continue next year.

“The prize money next week, which benefits all 30 competitors, embraces part of our drive to strengthen the region.”

Warrington’s Phil Archer, fresh from helping GB&I retain the PGA Cup against the United States at Fox Hills, is lying fourth in the pecking order following his second victory in the PGA North Region Championship at Bolton Old Links.

Some 50 points in front of him is Hart Common’s Steve Parry, who finished third in James Brearley Lancashire Open at Blackpool North Shore which he won last year.

Meanwhile, the field includes Mossock Hall’s irrepressible David Shacklady who has won the Order of Merit three times in 10 years.