NOEL Kelly is such a huge City fan that his 40th birthday earlier this year was mentioned in a match day programme.

 But his beloved Blues are not his only passion. Greens of the golfing kind also feature prominently in his busy life.

 Last week he co-sponsored the annual City golf day at his club the Marriott Worsley Park.

 And today he is revealed as the man who has thrown a lifeline to the Manchester Open which is run in association with the M.E.N.

 Kelly is the UK and Ireland sales director for Spirotech, an international company specialising in central heating components, who have agreed to title sponsor the last of the season’s four PGA North Region tournaments. It will be staged at Worsley Park for the first time on October 7-8 and will be preceded by a pro-am.

 There will be a lot at stake as 130-plus professionals battle for the title won last year by Swinton Park assistant David Smith.

 The top three players in the Order of Merit will qualify for the Srixon PGA play-offs at Royal Liverpool two weeks later where they will compete for places in some of the European Tour’s biggest events including the BMW Championship at Wentworth.

 Little Hulton-born Kelly, a 16 handicapper, said: “I’ve been a Blues fan all my life and I have a corporate box at the stadium.

 “The takeover is great news if not a bit surreal. We still have to perform on the pitch but I will also support the club – win, lose or draw.”

Graham Maly, secretary of the Bolton-based PGA North Region who are administering the tournament said: “The Manchester Open has been running for seven years so we’re delighted Spirotech have come on board.

“Marriott Worsley Park is a great venue and a serious test for the region’s best players.”

Smith said. “I’ve won six pro-ams this season but not done as well in the Order of Merit after finishing third last year so this event gives me a great chance to improve my standing.

 “We’ll all be keeping our fingers crossed that we get some decent weather because we’re been suffering in the last few weeks."

 Smith is lying 40th in the merit in which Selby’s former European Tour player Nick Ludwell holds a 70 point lead over Alex Belt, from Bridlington Links with last year’s winner, Mossock Hall’s David Shacklady, fourth and 135 points off the pace.

 Meanwhile, there are a number of teams available for the curtain-raising pro-am on October 6. Contact the PGA North Region on 01204 496137. Tweet