Golf team's major sponsorship deal
Last updated 08:49, Friday, 09 May 2008
CUMBRIA’S golf team goes into the new season tomorrow boosted by a major sponsorship deal.
Players will be dressed for success thanks to substantial backing from Carlisle firm Armstrong Watson wealth management who have provided money to kit the team out in new polo shirts, jumpers, trousers and waterproofs.
The amount of the sponsorship, which was set up by Cumbria Golf Union executive committee member Tom Little, has not been revealed, but it will run for four years and also cover coaching and fitness training.
Cumbria captain Cliff Heath, right, whose team faces Lancashire in tomorrow’s opening Northern Counties League game at Seascale, reckons the backing highlights a new professional edge to county golf.
Heath said: “Armstrong Watson expect high standards from us and we are in the business of performing to high standards.
“They are a very professional firm and they have brought some business thinking to this which is something I like, coming from a business background.
“We have been completely kitted out and the money will be tremendously useful.
“The money we would have had to spend ourselves will be put to good use by helping the county juniors and other things.”
Cumbria will be without star recruit Gary Wolstenholme for the opening match as he is representing England in an international against France, but Heath will hand a debut to Kirkby Lonsdale course record holder Mike Turner.
Turner, a former professional who has regained amateur status, will replace Penrith’s James Housby, who has just embarked on a career in the paid ranks.
Heath has reshuffled his foursomes pairings with Brampton club-mates Geoff Nixon and Grant Little being pitched together, and Carlisle pair Martin Hand and Nicky Bell linking up. Heath said: “I’ve tried to keep the same team that defeated Yorkshire in the last match last season. There’s a lot of sense in that and I’m sure Sir Alex Ferguson would do the same.
“The only change is with Mike Turner replacing James Housby.
“The foursomes will be reshuffled because it makes sense for Geoff and Grant to play together, which releases Martin and Nicky to play together. Martin is the most improved golfer in the county and he deserves to be higher up the order.”
Cumbria: Will Bowe (Workington), John Longcake (Silloth on Solway), Simon Young (Workington), Nicky Bell (Carlisle), Craig Morrow (Ulverston), Martin Hand (Carlisle), Geoff Nixon (Brampton), James Atkinson (Kendal), Mark Cowen (Workington), Grant Little (Brampton), Mike Turner (Kirkby Lonsdale) and Andrew Millray (Windermere).
