Heading some of the greatest major winners is Greg Norman – after playing a starring role in last week's Open where he finished joint-third – Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam and Tom Watson, the defending champion chasing a record fourth Senior Open title.

Norman seeks his maiden senior major. The Great White Shark finished third behind Watson at Royal Aberdeen in 2005, his only appearance in the championship.

Meanwhile, Lee Shepherd warmed up for this week's PGA North Region championship at Burgham Park, Northumberland, in record style, firing a joint course best 64 at Keighley to land his first Yorkshire PGA pro-am win.

The Willow Valley assistant, who finished three clear of runner-up Warren Kemp, from West Bradford, with former European Tour player Neil Cheetham and Leeds Cup holder John Wells tied third, also led his team to a share of top spot with that headed by Peter Robinson, the Skipton professional.

Leading scores: 64 – L Shepherd (Willow Valley). 67 – W Kemp (West Bradford). 68 – N Cheetham (Lees Hall), J Wells (Cherry Burton). 69 – L Jardine (Doncaster DR), A Ambler (Walton GC), P Robinson (Skipton). 70 – D McKidd (Otley), W Lockett (Cleckheaton). 71 –P Carman (Huddersfield), R Masters (Baildon).

Leading teams: 85 pts – Skipton: P Robinson, I Taylor(22), G Whiteside(17), A Bannister(8); Willow Valley: L Shepherd, D Mitchell (15), R Asher (12), R Thornton (9).

Ambler shot 67 to win the North Region pro–am at Clitheroe by three from Wrexham–based PGA Cup international Simon Edwards, while in the Pleasington pro–am Selby's Nick Ludwell tied in top place with Gatley's Jon Cheetham on 67.

Ludwell shot 70 to be the best placed Yorkshire player in the North Region championship pre–tournament pro–am.

Thirty Yorkshire players contest the championship which got under way yesterday.

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