IT'S more than a shade OK at The Oaks, where preparations are in hand for its first sortie into the world of pro-am play.

The picturesque parkland course, which has matured beyond recognition from its 1996 opening, is to host The Oaks pro-am tournament on Monday, May 12. And the Aughton Common club's first ever venture into that format has not only thrilled its owners and membership, but attracted some of the leading professionals in the county.

Within weeks of forms going out, the event - run in association with the Yorkshire Professional Golfers' Association - was fully subscribed.

A total of 48 teams - three amateurs, plus a professional - are in the talented field. Among the top pro's are Malton and Norton's Steve Robinson, Gary Brown of Ganton, York's Andrew Hoyles, David Jagger from the Kirkella club, Fulford's Martin Brown, and current Yorkshire champion Adrian Ambler (Walton Golf Centre).

Club secretary Sheila Nutt explained that the hosting of an event was the 'achievement' cited by Gary Johnson when he took over as club captain.

Now that aspiration is on the brink of being realised, as Sheila enthused: "To be able to see the best professionals in Yorkshire playing at the course will be quite an achievement. Everybody here is so excited.

"There's been a massive interest too from our members, many of whom have entered teams. The course is looking at its best and we're just hoping the weather keeps fine."

As an added bonus each of the par-three holes have been sponsored by BMW dealers Malton Motors with a BMW up for grabs for a hole in one.

Updated: 10:26 Saturday, May 03, 2003