TWO local North Region professionals have been granted honorary membership of the PGA.

Richard Bradbeer, who joined in 1955 and was captain in 1990 when he led the European PGA Cup team, was incumbent at Royal Birkdale for 21 years until his retirement last month.

He had also been a professional at Bristol and Clifton and Burnham and Berrow, his home club where his father, Bob, and Uncle Ernest - also a past PGA captain - served before him.

Bradbeer, a highly-rated coach, has taught among others Katrina Douglas and one of his final lessons was to Nick Dougherty whom he has coached since the rookie pro was 11.

Gwyllan Hardiman joined the PGA in 1953 and was professional at St Annes Old Links for 22 years but he has maintained his Manchester connections and is an honorary member at Houldsworth, his previous club.