A MAJOR coup has been landed by Sandburn Hall Golf Club.

Less than four years after the wooded parkland course opened, it has been selected to host one of 2009’s leading county tournaments.

New head professional Steve Robinson told The Press that Sandburn Hall will be the venue for the Yorkshire PGA Masters Championship on September 14 and 15.

“Everyone is delighted at the club,” enthused Robinson.

“It’s just another step in the right direction for Sandburn Hall.”

The two-day event has a unique format. It starts with the actual championship which is played for over 36 holes on the first day, with the second day devoted to a pro-am tournament.

Added Robinson: “The tournament is one of the best in Yorkshire. Not only does it attract the county’s best professionals, it also brings a lot of the area’s most talented amateurs for the pro-am.

“That way we can show both sides of the game just what we have here in terms of excellent facilities at Sandburn Hall.”

The Yorkshire PGA Masters will also be a vivid reminder of past glories for Robinson, who, this past December, made the switch from Malton and Norton GC to take up his new role at Sandburn Hall.

He is a two-time winner of the Yorkshire Masters crown, his conquests coming in the last seven years, the first at Bridlington Links and then later at Fulford.

Of the chances of a third title on what is now his home turf, Robinson, who has been troubled by back and knee injuries over the past year, was circumspect.

He said: “I am knocking a few balls about and I would like to give it a go when it comes to Sandburn Hall, but just to put myself in any sort of contention would be great.”

• JOSIE Jowsey, a Fulford GC member since 1964, has died after a long illness. She was lady captain in 1984. The funeral is at York Crematorium on Thursday, January 22 at 11.30am.