THE prestigious Bradford Open takes place tomorrow, with a field of around 60 golfers set to battle it out over two rounds.

And Union president Mark Buckley has admitted one young star has caught the eye of late.

He said: “There’s been little difference between all the top teams in the scratch leagues, with your typical suspects up there in South Bradford, Cleckheaton and Northcliffe.

“But there are a lot of young lads to watch out for, like Ben Rhodes.

“He’s just missed out in regional qualifying for the British Open by one shot, coming joint fourth with Robert Rock (who finished tied seventh at the Open in 2010). I just think that’s a fantastic achievement.

“It’s great to have a lot of 20-odd year olds competing this weekend, but we’ve also got more experienced heads like Rob Hillas, so it’s a great field.”

The Bradford Open is being held at Northcliffe, Buckley’s home course, and he beamed: “We’re really pushing the boat out for it with it being our centenary.

“The course is in fantastic condition, but to be honest, this year has been an eye opener.

“I try and go to a different course each Friday for a scratch match, and we’re lucky with some of the ones we have in the Union.

“Bracken Ghyll is a bit out in the sticks in Keighley for example, but people don’t realise how beautiful the course and scenery are, Ben Rhydding is similar.

“But yes, Northcliffe is looking good, but we’re just hoping the weather holds up, as the forecast isn’t great on Sunday.”

There is plenty of positivity within the Union now, with Bradford bouncing back from their opening day defeat to Leeds in the Yorkshire Inter-District Union Championship to easily beat both York and Teesside in June.

Buckley said: “York are used to flat courses, and though where we played at West Bradford is immaculate thanks to two new greenkeepers, it has a lot of hills.

“We then went to Barnard Castle to play Teesside and they have some quality golfers.

“But we did really well and had a new guy called Cameron Dale from Rawdon, who was unbelievable.

“He’s only 20 or 21, so he’s another young star to watch.”