Workington and Maryport golf clubs to compete in West Cumbrian Ryder Cup

Maryport and Workington golf clubs will be battling it out to win their own version of the Ryder Cup on Saturday.

Nearly 50 players will be taking part at Maryport Golf Club.

This is the first year that the tournament is taking place.

Ross Johnston, who is captaining the Maryport team, said: "We were just talking about it between a few of the lads and thought it would be good to boost relationships between the two clubs.

"A lot of the lads get on with each other but we never really do stuff together so it’s good just to have a laugh and enjoy it and mingle a bit.

"Afterwards we’ve organised food and we’ll sit down and have a few drinks.

"We’ve always had a bit of a rivalry between each other, the two local towns, and it’s good for everybody just to get on with each other.

"A lot of them know each other anyway. So it’s just a way of getting everyone together and helping both clubs out."

The tournament is following a four-ball, better ball format.

This means that the golfers will play in groups of four, with two players from each team.

The lowest score from each team is then used.

At the end of the tournament, the team which has won the most ties wins.

With 48 players taking part, there will be 12 ties.

Chris George, the Workington team captain, said: "We know the Maryport lads. They come and support our Help for Heroes day during the summer.

"We thought it’d be good to do every year and make a day of it. It’s just another event to put a bit more money back into the club.

"In terms of helping the clubs, it’s the revenue that’s made behind the bar on the day and people paying to play the course.

"We are also hoping to raise more interest into local amateur golf and help the clubs attract more members."

Ross said: "I would think they’re the favourites but I’m quietly confident because it’s our home course and the weather might help us."

When asked if he thought that Workington would win, Chris said: "Oh yeah, definitely."