THIS year’s Examiner Matchplay Golf looks set for a bumper entry as golfers chase the first prize of a FREE golfing holiday in Spain.

As befitting an excellent prize, there are a number of ‘very useful’ golfers having already submitted their entries, not least the four men who have actually won the tournament (and the holiday) in the five previous years the competition has been staged.

Huddersfield’s Nick Wilson, who was the first-ever winner in 2004, was one of the first entrants, followed by another Fixby player Richard Broadley, who lifted the title in 2005 and 2006.

The 2007 winner was Andrew Mear from the Cleckheaton club, while last year’s victor, Paddy Carmody, from Woodsome Hall, was also quick to put in his entry, all four of them appreciating what a great opportunity the competition represents.

The tournament is a straightforward knockout, which is drawn out for each round.

The only difference from the norm is that the first round is being played on a home and away basis, with the first-named player in the draw having home advantage first. Should the match be all square after 36 holes, sudden death will follow at the first hole on the second course.

The tournament will be played down to the last four players, who then go forward to the finals day, which this year is being held at Meltham Golf Club, on Thursday, September 24 (entrants are asked to ensure they would be available for that date should they successfully progress into the last four stage).

On finals day, the two semi-finals take place in the morning, with the losers playing off for third and fourth place in the afternoon and the two winners slugging it out for the main prize, which this year is a holiday to the Costa Blanca in November.

The competition is open to anyone with an official handicap over the age of 18, men and women (there is already a lady entrant this year), and costs £20 per person.

Entries can be made by filling in the accompanying coupon or by contacting competition organiser David Lockwood at the Examiner Office, on 01484 437757.

The closing date was originally set for April 11, but as this involves going over the Easter Weekend (and possible problems with the post) it has been decided to extend it just a week, therefore entries will be accepted in the Monday, April 20 post, after which the first round draw will be made and published.

As well as being published in the Examiner, all entrants will be notified by post, along with the competition rules.