IRISH Ryder Cup star Paul McGinley, who converted the winning putt for Europe against the United States at The Belfry last September, is playing in a special benefit Pro-am for respected former Knowle club professional Gordon Brand.

The event is at the Players Club, near Bristol, on Monday June 2 and the club's director of golf Paul Barrington wants to raise as much money as possible.

"Gordon deserves to be rewarded for everything he has done over the years for west country golf," said Barrington. Gordon Brand jnr, himself twice a Ryder Cup player, is attached to the Players Club.

McGinley's wife Alison, nee Shapcott, was coached by Brand at Knowle. She went on to win a golf scholarship to America and plays as a professional, as did her sister Susan, who played the Curtis Cup as an amateur.

Tour players Mark Mouland, Roger Chapman and Jamie Spence, who are close pals with 'Young Gordon', and footballers Gary Lineker, Matt Le Tissier, Gary Penrice and Russell Osman are taking part. The day features 50 teams of four at £200 a team.