New competition for Burnley and Pendle golfers

The Northern Matchplay Golf Championship is a season-long tournament initially split into six counties, which include Cheshire and Lancashire.

Golfers who are attached to a club in Lancashire will compete against each other on a knockout basis trying to reach their 36-hole county final, to be held at West Lancs Golf Club next autumn.

Meanwhile Cheshire golfers will do likewise but the climax of their event will be at Wallasey.

The winners at each regional final venue will progress to the two-day expenses paid Grand Final at The Alwoodley Golf Club in September, where the winners of Durham, Cumbria, Northumberland and Yorkshire will join them to determine the overall champions of the North.

There is an Individual and Betterball Pairs competition both played off handicap.

The opening round is played over 36 holes on a home and away basis, so players are assured of at least one round away from their home course.

A draw is then made for home advantage in subsequent rounds.

Both West Lancs and Wallasey golf courses regularly feature in top 100 rankings and are used by the R&A as Open Championship qualifying venues.

To enter you must be a male golfer, aged 16 or over on March 31st, 2011, with an active CONGU handicap. The entry fee is £15 per person or £25 per pair.

Those interested in entering should log on to www.northernmatchplay.com for full details.