PAUL Eales starts his defence of his Manx Golf Classic title

19 June 2008

PAUL Eales starts his defence of his Manx Golf Classic title at Castletown this afternoon where 45 fellow professionals and their teams swing into action in the £20,000 event supported by eight Island businesses.

Host club professional Michael Brooks, who with member John Tinsley has spearheaded the funding campaign, said: “We feel it makes sense that the event is locally driven. We also believe it should help to publicise the island as well as provide maximum exposure for the sponsors and at the same time offer the players a better deal.”

Former European Tour winner Eales, who divides his time between playing and working as a BBC television and radio pundit, tees off from the 10th at 2pm. First out this morning were and Andrew Patterson, from Rowany, and Mount Murray's Allyn Laing.

FROM PRESS OFFICER DAVID BIRTILL 07850539110