NEW to the professional ranks is Selby's Nick Ludwell, now installed as top man at his home-town Selby Golf Club.

And the player, who once shared the amateur course record at the 'old' Selby course of 65 with Les Walker, is delighted with the different challenges involved in his new role as club pro'.

Enthused Ludwell: "It's gone quite well.

"I know I may still be in my 'grace' period, but so far the feedback from the majority of the members has been very encouraging.

"Up to now we've made a few changes in the club shop, brightening things up and trying to cater a lot more for people."

The former England amateur international and Yorkshire strokeplay champion has been given the blessing of Selby to continue his competitive commitments on the Euro Pro' Tour, which starts in earnest next month. He will also figure in several Yorkshire and Northern professional Golfers' Association tournaments.

"The club still wants me to play and that's a great attitude for the club to have. I'm planning to play on the Euro tour and maybe a little of the Challenge Tour as well, but so far I've only played in a couple of pro-ams," said Ludwell.

"Up to now my game's going well, so that'll probably mean it'll start going to pot once I start the serious stuff," he quipped.

"But I've settled into the role here as club pro' and I'm hoping to appoint another assistant to help myself and my main assistant now, Dan Greaves, who is an excellent player."

Allerthorpe Park GC is to be the venue for a special Am-Am charity golf day next month.

The tournament will be played on Wednesday, May 14 is in aid of the 'Caroline's Rainbow Foundation', a charity set up after the tragic death of York student Caroline Stuttle, who was murdered while back-packing in Australia during her gap year.

The foundation was set up by Caroline's mother Marjorie Stuttle and her partner David Marks with the intention of funding back-packers in Australia who may find themselves in distress or financial hardship and to build drop-in centres that would enable them to contact worried parents and to offer help and advice.

The Allerthorpe Park tournament will be a four-ball Am-Am open to men's, women's or mixed teams at cost of £200 per team.

And there is a major driving incentive should a hole in one be scored on the day at Allerthorpe, whose owner John Atkinson has fully backed the event. York-based Minster Jaguar have sponsored a 2.0 SE Jaguar X-type car as a prize for an ace in the tournament.

There will be a drinks and snack break on the tenth hole and lunch will be served after the round of golf is finished.

Players or clubs wishing to compete are asked to contact David Marks at Castellett, Main Street, Allerthorpe, York YO42 4RW or to ring him on 01759 305381.

PAR wars, rather than store wars, will be there to check out at the McArthur Glen designer outlet at Naburn next week.

From Tuesday to Thursday retail therapy will be supplemented by 'Bringing Golf To You' - as part of the Bryant Homes Golf Roadshow.

For each of the three days from 10am to 5.30pm the Roadshow will feature a purpose-built mobile game improvement centre some 45-feet in length. Teaching professionals from the Professional Golfers' Association will offer free tuition and among the beneficiaries will be children from Park Grove Primary School, in York on Wednesday.

GANTON'S Fraser Kelley won the Auchterlonie Spoon, the opening Yorkshire Order of Merit competition of the season.

He had rounds of 68 and 72 at Selby Golf Club for a total of 140 to earn a two-stroke victory over Doncaster's Nigel Sweet.

In joint sixth was Adrian Lount (Pike Hills), who fired 77 and 72 for 149, one stroke ahead of a clutch of players, among whom was Fulford's Matthew Lord, who posted rounds of 78 72.

Teenager Lord was a member of the Yorkshire Under-16s side who beat Wales 12-56 at Rotherham, the talented Fulford youngster winning both his foursomes and singles matches by big margins.

UPCOMING Kilnwick Percy prospect James Nesfield completed a treble in the two-day strokeplay competition.

He dominated both days with nett scores of 65 and 66 to win the overall event by four shots and then became the only player to collect the 2's club prize with his two on the 17th hole.

The seniors, meanwhile, opened with a win over Flamborough ahead of hosting Heworth on April 25.

This Monday's Bank Holiday Texas Scramble will open proceedings with a shotgun start from 9.30am.

For the seventh year Flamborough Head GC is to host The Amken Classic, a charity golf competition in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief, to be played, this year, on Friday, August 1 starting at 10am.

This event is a betterball stableford with entry open to men's, ladies and mixed pairs.

First prize is a three day/two nights golf break for two people including bed, breakfast, dinner and three days golf donated by Hunley Hall GC. The entry fee is £30 per pair.

For more details contact Ian Rogers on (0113) 243 6970 or 07889 227601. Or e-mail ian@amken.co.uk

Updated: 11:53 Saturday, April 19, 2003