Five three-man teams from Crook Golf Club will be hoping for a hole in one as they start their bid for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Junior Golf Championship 2003 at Crook on Monday, April 28.

The annual championship will give a team of young golfers the chance to play at some of the UK's finest courses with the national final being held at The Belfrey, last year's Ryder Cup venue. The Stableford Point contest is the sole competition open to all levels of play, under the age of 18.

Team A, Michael Stark, Andrew Baker and Tom Marley will begin their countryside campaign by playing against other local schools and junior golf club teams while raising money for the British Heart Foundation through sponsorship.

The Foundation aims to play a leading role in the fight against heart and circulatory disease, the UK's biggest killer. It is the largest independent funder of heart research in the UK. The charity also plays an important role in funding education, both of the public and of health professionals and in providing life-saving cardiac equipment and support for rehabilitation and patient care.

Julie Sorrell, head of events for the BHF, said: "This unique event provides a great opportunity for young golfers in the Durham area to compete on a national level and encourage enthusiasm for the sport, while alerting them to the problems of heart disease and the importance of raising funds for the cause."

The top three teams from each of the preliminary rounds will be awarded medals for their achievements with the two highest scoring teams going through to the regional finals. The top six fundraising teams from all the preliminary rounds held in the team's region will also win a place in the next round.

If you would like to sponsor any of the five teams contact Jeff Jobson or Neil Harker on (01388) 767610 or 0775 4670596.

On Monday, April 28 Crook golf club have entered five teams in the British Heart Foundation fold competition to raise money for heart research. Crook golf club junior section raised over £800 for the BHF last year and will be looking to top that total this year.

Teams - Team A: Michael Starr, 17; Andrew Baker, 15; Tom Marley, 17.

Team B: David Jobson, 17; Andrew Taylor, 17; Chris Spence, 16.

Team C: Stephen Gray, 15; Wayne Clark, 15; Tony Hogarth, 15.

Team D: Jonathan Major, 13; Jamie Hall, 13; James Paley, 13.

Team E: Marc Boughey, 15; Geoffrey Morgan, 17; Alan Shaw, 17.