The PGA Super 60’s Championship at Thorpeness on Thursday and Friday will be the opportunity to see big names of yesteryear showing how little their skills have diminished.

The format is for a professional over the age of 60 with an amateur partner in the same age bracket. Frank Hill of Thorpeness, a winner in 2006, teams up with Thorpeness owner Tim Rowan-Robinson. They should attract a sizeable gallery.

Two-time former winner Graham Burroughs of Boyce Hill and former Ryder Cup star Lionel Platts are taking part, as is former Felixstowe Ferry professional Ian MacPherson who plays with Thorpeness member Ray Foreman.

Maurice Bembridge, though, is one of the biggest stars in the field. He played in four Ryder Cup matches and was runner-up in the European Tour order of merit in 1973. The following year he

equalled the course record of 64 at Augusta National in the Masters in his final round. He won 3,900 dollars for being tied eighth in an event won by Gary Player.

Bembridge was born in Worksop. Maybe a young Lee Westwood, another Worksop lad, was inspired by Bembridge’s career. The top brass of the PGA, Phil Weaver (chairman) and Sandy Jones (chief executive), are also hoping to find playing success in Suffolk.

PGA captain Neil Selwyn-Smith is also taking part together with past PGA captains Jim Farmer and Parnell Reilly.

John Hudson (Rivenhall Oaks), who had successive holes in one in the 1971 Martini International at Royal Norwich, and Chester Jervis (one-time Stoke by Nayland and now Colchester Golf Range) are two other Essex contestants.

Another name that will be recognised by older followers of the game will be David Snell who was 30th in the 1958 Open Championship and 31st in 1967.

Among the amateurs will be Roger de Courcey, the ventriloquist who found fame with his Nookie Bear act in the 70’s. He plays with former Tour player Lawrence Farmer.

This event, started in 1994, had had six previous venues. Thorpeness will be an ideal setting for this popular event when old timers get together, play good golf, and then reminisce in the club house.