A Leighton man has launched his bid for golfing stardom – backed by a local company who have handed him a three-year sponsorship deal.

Graham Benson, a 23-year-old former Vandyke student and one of Britain's top amateur golfers, has mapped out a tough European tour programme after turning professional. It embraces more than 20 competitions throughout next season in a bid to qualify for the Euro Tour school at the end of the year, when success for Graham will secure a ticket for entry into the European majors.

The former Bedfordshire Junior and county champion, who has won a ruck of honours at the highest level, is being backed by Leighton Buzzard businessman Paul McKay, managing director of the Cold Chain Group of companies now expanding into the golfing market with a range of products.

Paul, himself a five-handicap golfer who has seen Graham progress through the ranks at Leighton Buzzard Golf Club where they are both members, said: "You can't but be impressed by Graham's commitment and dedication, backed by a tremendous natural ability.

"As a local business with its roots in Leighton Buzzard, we are only too happy to support the launch of Graham's professional career.
"The early years for a budding professional are tough. By easing the financial burden of the golf tour throughout Europe, we hope Graham can focus on his game and do well in the years ahead."

As part of the sponsorship package, Graham will be promoting the golf clothing range designed by Ian Poulter, the former Leighton golfer now a Ryder Cup star. The clothing range will be available through Cold Chain's new company, Golf2Go (www.golf2go.org) which will also promote the sale of environmental tees which dissolve within two hours and other golfing equipment.

Paul has also organised a 'Graham Benson Invitational' which has attracted over 20 four-man teams at Leighton Buzzard tomorrow (Wednesday). The event will include an auction of donated prizes likely to raise around £5,000 for Graham's inaugural year on the pro circuit.

Graham is no stranger to tour golfing after a four-year stint in the United States where he was a regular member of the successful Louisiana SE College team. He said: "The support I have had from Leighton Buzzard Golf Club, Paul and his colleagues at Cold Chain and family and friends has been quite overwhelming. The sponsorship package relieves a lot of pressure – I'm really looking forward to getting started."

That date's not far away – he tees off as a golfing pro in a series of competitions in Spain early in the new year.