Moortown Golf Club hosted the first Ryder Cup on British soil in 1929 and since then most of the country’s top amateur competitions. Now another famous tournament will be added to its illustrious history – the Leeds Cup.
Professional golf’s oldest trophy, inaugurated in 1902, bears some of the biggest names of the game in the early part of the last century including several Open champions.
And Moortown, regarded as one of Britain’s finest inland courses designed by legendary architect Dr Alister MacKenzie, will also have the honour of staging the 100th version of the event, which had been suspended during the war years, on July 29-30.
The cup was presented to the PGA on its formation in 1901 by the Lord Mayor of Leeds to be competed for annually by professional golfers. Open champion Harry Vardon was the first to have his name inscribed on it at Cobble Hall.
Appropriately, most recent winners are Yorkshiremen – former European Tour players Nick Ludwell, from Selby, in 2013 and Waterfront Golf’s Ben Mason last year.
PGA North secretary Graham Maly said: “This is truly a unique tournament and this year’s is extra special as we mark reaching the 100th milestone.
“We are hoping to negotiate funding from individuals and companies for both title and support sponsorship for this very special occasion which will be preceded by a pro-am which presents another opportunity to become involved.
“It’s wonderful to establish a lasting legacy in the development of professional golf while marketing and promoting their brand to our members and the broader golfing community in association with the PGA.”
Maly can be contacted on 01204 496137 or at graham.maly@pga.org.uk or on 01204 496137.
Moortown Golf Club www.moortown-gc.co.uk
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