Fulford Golf Club have received letters of acceptance from ten former Benson and Hedges international Open champions, following the club's decision to invite them to be honorary members.

The invitations went out to the 16 past champions to mark the final playing of the B&H Championship which was held at The Belfry this year.

Bernhard Langer (pictured left) has also accepted an invitation, given because of his contribution to golf in addition to his notoriety for hitting his third shot out of the ash tree next to the 17th green at Fulford in August 1961.

Also honoured is Len Owen, tournament director for each of the 18 years at Fulford, who hosted the B&H international Open from 1971 (Tony Jacklin champion), to 1989 (Gordon Brand jnr), with the exception of 1979 when it was moved to St Mellion, Cornwall (Maurice Bembridge).

Letters of acceptance have been received from winners in the following years: 1971 Tony Jacklin, 1972 Jack Newton, 1974 Phillipe Toussaint, 1982 Greg Norman, 1983 John Bland, 1985 Sandy Lyle, 1986 Mark James, 1987 Noel Ratcliffe, 1988 Peter Baker, 1989 Gordon Brand jnr.

Hopes are still alive that some of the above names will return to Fulford to play in a European Seniors Tournament in due course. A sponsor is still being sought. Fulford celebrate their centenary in 2006.

Updated: 10:08 Saturday, December 20, 2003