TOP-CLASS tour players could be driving towards Selby Golf Club as professional Nick Ludwell brings a touch of the Continent to the Mill Lane course.

Ludwell, himself a former European Tour player, is to launch his first pro-am tournament - the first time such an event has been hosted by the club for close on a dozen years.

It is also the first such event promoted by Ludwell, who is now entering his third year as pro at the popular Brayton Barff course. And his links with the thriving Euro scene are poised to bring an extra edge to the pro-am to be staged on Friday, May 6.

Already Pete Cowen, the esteemed golf guru who numbers Ryder Cup star Lee Westwood and North Yorkshire's current leading European professional Simon Dyson among his clients, has agreed to play.

Also in the field are current tour pro Ian Garbutt and England coach Graham Walker, who left the tour after a decade of distinguished performances to take up the reins as professional at The Oaks GC.

Enthused Ludwell: "It was always part of my programme when I first came to Selby to re-launch a pro-am which they've not had here for about ten or 12 years.

"It's an event that's primarily for the members' benefit and to show off what a fine state the course is in. But it should also generate a lot more revenue for the club as well as spreading the word as to how good Selby is."

Ludwell has been mightily encouraged by the response so far. With less than a month to go he has confirmation from more than half of the allotted 40 spaces for four-man teams comprising three amateurs and a professional.

The event will be over a medal format with the best two scores to count and is open to players with a maximum handicap of 24. Amateurs will play off a -handicap.

Besides prizes being awarded down to fifth place, the £210 cost includes bacon sandwiches on arrival, half-way house refreshments, and an evening meal, plus entertainment.

For further details contact Ludwell at Selby GC on 01757 228785.

Meanwhile, Selby edged out visiting Fulford in an exciting finish in the third round of the national Mail on Sunday Club Classic.

For Fulford, former undefeated European, British and Commonwealth super-middleweight boxing champion Henry Wharton countered from two down with three to play to snatch a half against Philip Alford, while David Leaf and Matthew Lord also won for the visitors.

But James Wright and Granville Duggan triumphed for Selby to set up a dramatic final clash. And it was Selby's Anthony Dobson who prevailed, rallying from two down against former England international Jonathan Plaxton to win 3 and 2 and seal a 3-2 victory.

GANTON GC professional Gary Brown opened his season in fine style by retaining the East Riding Alliance Championship - despite spending almost a month unable to practise because of injury.

Brown, who also won the title in 1991 and 2002 as well as last year, was out for two weeks with a neck injury when he then damaged an elbow lifting some practice balls. That kept him out for another ten days.

But absence did not affect his play as he tamed the Bridlington course and also fended off his playing partner, Malton and Norton pro Steve Robinson, to hang on to his title with a three-under-par two-round total of 141. Brown shot rounds of 70 and 71 to beat Robinson by one shot in a nip-and-tuck duel.

Recalled Brown: "After nine holes there was only one shot in it. Then at the last I took a six while Steve got a birdie, but I hung on to win.

"It was great to have started the season so well after not being able to get much practice in because of the injuries."

Fourth place went to Filey GC's new assistant professional Fraser Kelley on 143 (72 71), who finished second in the assistants' championship on count-back.

Fulford assistant Jamie Ashworth posted 149 (76 73) and Heworth's Jim Batt finished on 153 (78 75).

UNDER-PRIVILEGED children are to benefit from the sterling work of respective outgoing Kirkbymoorside GC men's and ladies' captains Chris Pickles and Nadine Blacklee.

Their efforts over the past year realised more than £2,500 to be donated to charities, which are aiding needy street children in Mongolia.

Ladies' captain Blacklee, who has first-hand experience of the area chosen to benefit from the drive-in, explained how treating the levels of disease relating to respiratory, visual and dental conditions was a top priority.

"This money will save lives and improve the quality of care beyond belief," she said.

Updated: 11:12 Saturday, April 16, 2005