JASON Ashton has a driving ambition to retain his Harold Ryden Trophy - in more ways than one!

The East Lancashire Golf Association showpiece event tees off at Pleasington on Saturday, writes NEIL BRAMWELL.

But Ashton, a driver for competition sponsors Lancashire Evening Telegraph, must first cure a problem....with his driving.

Jason said: "I had developed a problem with a hook but I have been working hard on the driving range with my dad Mick.

"I am pretty conffident and I am not playing too badly.

"I know the course extremely well and played there on Sunday - so I know where not to go.

"Like anywhere else if you hit the fairways and greens you will do okay."

Ashton's hook was in evidence during last weekend's Scratch Shield at his home course of Blackburn, where he shot a 76.

And the big-hitter will be relying on his strength off the tee to conquer Pleasington in the two qualifying rounds.

The top eight competitors then fight it out in matchplay on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

Ashton has earmarked Nelson's Nick Uttley, Darwen's John Grimshaw and Neil Lemarr as the main threats, with Blackburn's Tony Jackson unable to compete due to other commitments.

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