THE largest ever prize in Hampshire PGA Championship history will be on offer this month, after Romsey business Haworth Castings announced sponsorship of the event.

The competition, which will be held at South Winchester Golf Club for the first time since 2003, has a top prize of £2,000 this year.

Haworth Castings, which is owned by Stoneham member Andy Haworth, has been welcomed on board by the Hampshire PGA.

Secretary David Wheeler said: "It is obviously an important sponsorship, as far as the Hampshire PGA is concerned.

"We haven't had a sponsor for the championship for three or four years, so it is fantastic Haworth Castings are doing it.

"The prize money this year is quite considerable by Hampshire PGA standards.

"It is also good it is coming back to South Winchester, which is where our headquarters are based.

"Hopefully we will attract a very good response from the Hampshire pros and it promises to be an excellent championship."

The event, which was won by Brokenhurst Manor's Bruce Parker at Basingstoke Golf Club last year, will be held on Wednesday, August 27.

Read the full story in this week's Romsey Advertiser golf round-up.