ANDREW Paisley has promised to practise what he preaches by indulging in a few rounds of golf this season.

The 33-year-old Hexham professional has been appointed PGA North captain, a role which comes with the perk of invitations to play in as many events as he can fit into his busy life.

But he admits that such opportunities will probably be few and far between because of his demanding teaching commitments.

“Since I arrived here five years ago I’ve hardly had time to play but I’ve practised over the winter so I plan to take advantage of my exemption status and enter what events I can manage,” he said.

Paisley, previously incumbent at nearby Matfen Hall where he trained as an assistant, is not only Northumberland County coach but is responsible for the region’s England Under-18 assessment squads which embrace Durham and Cumbria and is also looking after the latter’s young prospect.

Among his students are 15-year-old Matty Lamb, a Hexham member who last year won the Sir Henry Cooper Masters Championship. His brother, Chris, was on the reserve list for today's European Tour event in South Africa.

THERE will be three North-East competitors in the Africa Open today.

Barnard Castle's Robert Dinwiddie, Harrogate's John Parry and Malton & Norton's Simon Dyson are all looking to impress at the East London Club. Hartlepool's Graeme Storm, however, has returned home after finishing tied 22nd at the Joburg Open last weekend.

DARLINGTON'S Ellie Givens will not be figuring in this week's ISPS Australian Open – despite celebrating her first hole-in-one a week ago.

Despite her ace in Queensland seven days ago, she missed the cut at the Australian Masters and has not received a call-up to today's field after spending the week on the reserves list.