Curragh born Ernie Jones has been made an honorary member of Bangor Golf Club after serving the members there for 12 years.

The former Irish champion, who is now the head professional at the K Club in Co Kildare, was at Bangor from 1962 until 1974 and during that time brought much glory to the club. He won the Hennessy Cup, the Kenyan Open and the Coxmore tournament, as well as taking the Ulster PGA championship on two occasions. He is now the reigning Irish seniors champion.

"Ernie is one of the gentlemen of Irish golf and we felt that he should be honoured for the work he did here," said Bryan Blakie, who this week stepped down as club captain.