Golf: New Tour set for take-off

The Xltec Pro Golf Tour tees off at Whitekirk tomorrow week and Alan Tait, the man behind the schedule, is expecting a decent turnout for the first of his 36-hole events.

"We've had an excellent response to the launch of the tour, with many of Scotland's regular leading players signing up, Scott Henderson, Craig Ronald and Jason McCreadie to name but a few," said Tait, the director of golf at Marriott Dalmahoy. "The Tour has also been boosted by the fact Paul Lawrie and Andrew Coltart have joined and are committed to play where their schedules allow.

"We have also had interest from the few Scottish lady professionals and have therefore decided that we will run a separate ladies' event with a separate ladies prize-fund within all of The Xltec Tour fixtures. Kylie Walker and Claire Queen have already said they would like to take part."

The female pros will have to pay a one-off joining fee of 40 plus a 50 entry fee for each 36-hole event plus a 10 administration fee per competition. They will play off the LGU red tees at every venue and will be competing against themselves, not the men.

Entries for the event at Whitekirk, where Tait is anticipating a field of around 60, close today with the draw being made and emailed out to players on Friday.

Other scheduled events: Hilton Park, 28-29 April; Marriott Dalmahoy 25-28 May; Westerwood, 28-29 July: Spey Valley, Aviemore, 28-29 September; Dundonald Links, 6-7 October.