CARUS Green Golf Club will play centre stage this weekend when it hosts the PGA North Region Championships - the biggest tournament in the club's history.

The best golfers from across the North will descend for the two-day competition while a Pro-Am event will kick off proceedings on Friday.

And with a local event taking place on Sunday, the club expects to see hundreds of golfers in action over the course of the three days.

"This will be the real deal," said proprietor Graham Curtin who will see his hard work and investment come to fruition this weekend. "This is something we have been working towards ever since we came to the club."

Curtin and local businessman, Maurice Cotter, have turned Carus Green in to a multi-million pound venture and it now boasts some of the best facilities and golf course in the north of England.

"In terms of the size of our club, hosting the PGA North Region Championships is probably as big as it gets," added Curtin. "It is going to be a wonderful occasion and I am sure the atmosphere is going to be terrific.

"And the best thing is, it is free for anyone who wants to come along and take in the action."

Carus Green got the nod to host the Order of Merit event after being put on 'trial' last year when it held the PGA's Cumbrian Open.

"Last year was a big success, so much so that we have been chosen to host the North Region Championships for the next two seasons," he said. "The PGA liked what they saw when they came here, not just the course but the whole package; car parking, changing rooms, club house, driving range, everything.

"Obviously we are thrilled. This is a very proud moment but, to be honest, I am happier for the club and its members. It is for them, really."

Carus Green boasts a £3m clubhouse while all 18 greens and tees have been replaced or improved - and it has the 'drama hole' on the 18th.

"The 18th hole is a par three that goes over the River Kent with a pond near the green. It is what you would call a drama hole and I am sure we will see plenty of drama over the two days."

Dave Shacklady, from Ormskirk, who won the Cumbrian Open at Carus Green last year, will be among the favourites to win on the Kendal course while a challenge could come from Wigan's Craig Corrigan.

Local interest will come from four of Carus Green's professionals with Andrew Pickering, Chris Coates, Lee Edwards and Tyson Barclay all taking part.