KENNETH FERRIE returns to the scene of his finest hour this week as he bids to continue his rise up the PGA European Tour Order of Merit.

The Ashington golfer's first and only win on the Tour came in the Canarias Open de Espana 12 months ago.

Ferrie will visit the Fuerteventura Golf Club today aiming to repeat his super success, although he will have to fend off the challenge of Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal who is making his first appearance of the year.

Ferrie's return to the Canary Islands coincides with his bright start to the season, highlighted by the fact that he has only missed one cut from nine events.

Just last weekend the 25year-old claimed his best finish of the campaign when he ended tied 24th in the Open de Sevilla.

Ferrie could and should have finished a lot higher but his five under par, four round total was let down by a double bogey at the tenth on day three.

Nevertheless, the former Boys champions still sits 73rd in the Tour's Order of Merit - one place above Nick Faldo.

Hartlepool's Graeme Storm failed to make the cut at the Open de Sevilla.

Storm, playing in his second European Tour event of the year, carded a disappointing two-round total of 152, eight over par.

Middlesbrough's Jon Lupton will play in only his second Challenge Tour event of the season today. He has travelled to Egypt to play in the Al Ahram-Jolie Ville Sharm El Sheikh Challenge.

Kirkbymoorside Golf Club's Brian Carroll has sank his last putt as the popular and successful men's captain.

Carroll, succeeded by Chris Pickles, had a brilliant year which was culminated in winning the Scarborough and District Association. He also, along with Lady Captain Joan Stevens, helped raise £1,200 for Breast Cancer Research and St Catherine's Hospice.

Amateurs have a chance of playing at Portugal's golfing paradise Vilamoura if they enter the Bass Ale Golfing Pub of the Year tournament at Eaglescliffe GC today. Around 30 teams are set to tee off in of the first rounds of the Northern area heats.

Only ten teams will progress to the area final - to be held at Durham's Brancepeth Castle on May 27.

The tournament is still open to all pubs and clubs in the UK. Anyone interested phone 01458 241911.

New initiatives have been set up by the English Golf Union and English Ladies' Golf Association to help get people into the game.

Free coaching is available to beginners regardless of age, gender or background at Beamish Park GC this weekend. Anyone wishing to attend should telephone 0191 3701382.

Published: 22/04/2004