PROSPECTS of restoring a major golf tournament to York - as exclusively revealed in the Evening Press in February - have increased.

Fulford Golf Club board member Jonathan Plaxton was optimistic that a new tournament forming part of the European Seniors Tour could be brought to the club next year.

Plaxton has held fresh talks with European Seniors Tour managing director Keith Stubbs with a possible slot in August 2003 interesting several major sponsors.

Said former England golf international Plaxton: "We are having ongoing talks with the Seniors Tour and potential sponsors and we are hopeful of bringing an event back to Fulford next year.

"I am not in a posititon to name sponsors as nothing has been finalised, but I would hope that in the next six weeks we will be able to make an announcement."

Since Fulford lost the Benson and Hedges International Open from 1971-1989 and then the Murphy's event in 1990-91, North Yorkshire has been bereft of a major golf tournament.

The Seniors Tour has gathered hefty interest with sponorship and television deals and regularly features stars such as Tony Jacklin and Bernard Gallacher.

Updated: 12:03 Thursday, September 05, 2002