LYMM'S Andrew Murray is warming up for The Open by celebrating 30 years of fundraising.

The PGA professional, who is also an expert summariser in the sport for the BBC, is hosting his 30th annual golf pro-am charity tournament today.

Murray, 65, who claimed the European Open crown in 1989, started his career at Bramhall Golf Club – the venue for today's event.

He has raised more than £400,000 for various charities through the pro-am, including more than £25,000 for Prostate Cancer UK – a cause he has backed as ambassador for many years after his golfing mentor, Brian Nield, was diagnosed with the disease.

Murray said: “Brian taught me how to play golf when I was 10.

"He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013 but he survived and is now 89 and back on the golf course. He’s my mentor, guide and he’s who got me into the game.

“He employed me as an assistant pro in the first place and I’m delighted to be involved with Prostate Cancer UK and to have that connection with Brian.”

Murray has also played an integral part in building Prostate Cancer UK’s successful golf programme and hosts the charity’s annual golf championships.

He added: “One man dies of prostate cancer every 45 minutes, which is a scary stat.

"Over a four or five-hour round, that’s four or five men who will die of the disease.

"Awareness of the disease is so important.

"Men aren’t terribly good about looking after and talking about their health, so we need to get talking and all be aware of it.”

Murray’s pro-am kicks off an eventful week in the British golfing calendar, with the British Open – back at the Royal St George’s Golf Club for the first time since 2011 – beginning on Thursday.

“I’m so excited to be back on the links with BBC Radio 5 Live,” said Murray, who played in three Opens over his career.

“It’s going to be fantastic and of course I’m hoping for a British winner – Lee Westwood, Tommy Fleetwood, Ian Poulter, Robert McIntyre or Rory McIlroy.”