LOCAL professionals who are just a little too young to join the senior circuit may get a tour of their own soon if two pilot events are a success.

The PGA North Region have teamed up with Southport-based Golf Promotions to hold the 45+ Reunion competitions for pros aged 45-50.

The organisers felt there was a gap in the market for players who may be finding it difficult to win decent money on the regular tour, but who are too young for the senior tour.

The 45+ events will have a £20,000 prize fund and are the brainchild of pros Gerry Bond and Ray Peters.

"Bond said: "There are 1,100 players in the UK in the age group and there is nothing for them as they get ready for the senior tour.

"We don't want to be detrimental to them by suggesting they can no longer compete in the regular tournaments but the older they get the more difficult it becomes to win decent money.

"We have a sponsor in place and there will be a £20,000 prizefund at each of the two events. That will also be the figure if the tour gets off the ground and we are confident it will.

"We have already looked at other venues at home and abroad and hopefully there will be one in Manchester."

Hillside will stage the first 45+ event on October 14-15 and Southport and Ainsdale will be the venue the following week.