Golf: Cain able to raise awareness for cancer charity

May 13 2008 by Richard Williamson, Liverpool Daily Post

DARREN CAIN had double reason to be delighted with his appearance at the top of the leaderboard as the Players Tour reached St Annes Old Links.

The Mere-attached professional is looking to progress through the ranks after embarking on a full-time playing career nearly two years ago.

But he is also aiming to raise public awareness of prostate cancer after his grandfather fell ill with the disease.

Cain finished in a share of first at the fourth event on the schedule alongside Steve Parry, who returned a tremendous 32 on the back nine, and Matthew Marsh as all three players went round in 69. It was Cain’s maiden Players Tour success and first top 10 finish.

Explaining his link to Prostate UK, he said: “My grandfather is battling the disease and when I was asked to get involved in a fund-raising initiative I was more than happy to do so.

“At sometime in their lives, one in two men will suffer from the problem and Prostate UK are dedicated to limiting the damage this causes by financing research and training of healthcare professionals.

“With my grandfather falling ill, it really brought it home to me that it can affect any of us,” added Cain, who hopes to organise a Prostate UK Pro-Am later in the season. Parry, winner of the Welsh Young Pros Championship, won the Galvin Green award as the early Order of Merit leader and also tied with Houghwood’s Barry Taylor, who had a fighting inward nine himself of 33 for a 71, for the low aggregate total from the four events. Both players will receive paid entry to Open qualifying.

Reddish Vale’s Adam Stott returned a 70 that was good enough to take fourth outright from four players tied on 71, including Pryors Hayes-attached Freddy Valenti. He was pleased with a return to form which would have been better but for a wayward putter, including taking three from 20 feet on the last.

Brian Sharrock (BFS Trading) shaded Portal’s Andrew Murray 73 to 76 in the Seniors Section.

The Tour now has two events in Manchester in quick succession, at Denton on Friday (16th) and Ringway next Thursday (22nd).