Umbrellas at dawn

Rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the 26 teams competing in the morning pro-am, as the Oceânico Group Pro-Am Challenge got underway at Marriott Worsley Park. After an initial one hour rain delay, the competition went off with a bang as Challenge Tour officials signalled the shotgun start. The field was headlined by DJ Spoony, who switched from night clubs to golf clubs to play alongside professional golfer Jamie Little. The BC Radio 5 Live presenter’s team finished the competition in 9th place with 85 points.

Team Copal were eventual winners of the event, finishing with 97 points. Second was Steve Kirby’s team with 94 and third placed were Brown Shipley with 88 points. Cue the afternoon pro-am and Steve Davis adding the star touch to proceedings. Winning the afternoon competition were title sponsors Oceânico, who scored 95 points playing alongside pro Michael Hoey. Media partner the Manchester Evening News finished second with 92 points, while another of Oceânico’s teams came third with 89 points. Each of the top teams were presented with prizes from Titleist. Over on the short game practice range, tour professional and BBC commentator Paul Eales was passing his expertise onto budding golfers at the junior clinic. Youngsters from across the region turned out to pick up some top tips and helpful hints. Paul will be hosting a second junior clinic on Saturday 31st May from 4.00-5.00pm. Places are free and there are a number of spots available. To book a place, call ISM on 0161 975 7174.

The Oceânico Group Pro-Am Challenge, which attracts some 156 Challenge Tour professionals, takes place at Marriott Worsley Park from 29th May-1st June 2008. It’s a free-to-watch spectacle for locals wanting a great day out at one of the region’s leading golf courses, and gives them the chance to support local amateurs as they tee up alongside talented professionals. The main competition tees off at 7.30am on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th May and everyone is welcome to attend. For the full draw and more information about the tournament, logon to www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/golf  or call ISM on 01565 832100.

• The Oceanico Group Pro-Am Challenge takes place at Marriott Worsley Park from 29 May-1 June 2008, with a Pro-Am day on 28 May.
• Entry to come and watch this event is completely free to members of the public, and ample free parking is available on site.
• The Oceanico Group Pro-Am Challenge not only offers the chance to admire the European Challenge Tour professionals in action, with a full field of players taking part over the first two days, but is uniquely followed by two weekend rounds played as a Pro-Am, where each professional will pair up with an amateur to compete together as a team. This provides the chance for amateur golfers to tee it up alongside some of golf’s young up and coming stars, as well as a few established names.

For further information, please contact Martin Hardy or Louise Facey at International Sports Management on 01565 832100, email louise@sportism.net