TOP golf professionals throughout the North have showered a York course with praise following its staging of a prestigious tournament.

The PGA Yorkshire Masters, at Sandburn Hall in Flaxton, went down a storm with competitors when the two-day competition – a PGA North Order of Merit event – was held last week.

The tournament, won by Lancashire’s David Shacklady with a brace of 68s, was upgraded to a full ranking event this year after being co-sanctioned for the first time by PGA North.

And the winner, the 46-year-old professional at Mossock Hall, led the cheerleaders in praising the condition and the standard of the tough 6,700-yard par 72 outfit.

Writing to Sandburn Hall golf manager, Rob Heath, Shacklady said: “The whole set-up you laid on for us was first class, from the way the course was presented in excellent condition right through to the practice facilities and the lovely clubhouse with friendly and helpful staff.”

Shacklady was far from the only player to pass on his congratulations to Sandburn staff.

David Clark, pro at Morpeth GC, said: “The course was in great condition and a good test and with the new tees, which I noticed on a few holes, it’s only going to get better.”

Jeff Matthews, secretary of the Lancashire PGA, added: “I enjoyed your course, practice facilities and clubhouse and know they (the players) enjoyed their visit too.

“PGA members really appreciate your support.”

Heath said: “I am really pleased with how the event ran. It was a pleasure working with the PGA North section. We have had some great feedback from the pros, which we greatly appreciate.

“It will help us to drive forward. We are very excited to be hosting the competition next year and we hope it is just as much of a success.”

Meanwhile Sandburn Hall are looking forward to taking on the giants of Fulford and Malton & Norton next season.

The scratch team at the club are celebrating after winning promotion from the second division of the York Union of Golf Club’s scratch league.

The Sandburn side of Will Adamson (1 handicapper), Rob Heath (2), Eddie Hicks (4) and Matthew Rowe (2) came through a winner-takes-all clash with Kirkbymoorside to book their place among the elite.

Organised by low-handicapper, Andy Lunn, Sandburn beat their Ryedale rivals 6-2 with Heath, Adamson and Rowe winning.

“I think this is the fifth year we have had a scratch team,” said Hicks.

“It is a big achievement to get promoted because it is the first time it has been done by the club.

“Next year we want to stay in division one, make sure we don’t get relegated, and build for the future.

“The likes of Fulford, Pike Hills and Malton & Norton are in that division and we will be playing against top players.”