PAUL Carman aims to become only the third man to make a successful defence of the Club Professional Championship next week when he competes against the finest field in club pro golf.

The 34-year-old from Burnley sets off on Sunday for Drogheda, Ireland, where the prestigious £72,000 event gets underway on Tuesday at County Louth Golf Club.

This is the first time the tournament will be played in Ireland and 135 players will make the trip to challenge for the £9,000 top prize.

Also at stake are vital points for this year's PGA Cup team to play the Americans at Gleneagles in late August.

Having won the title last year, Carman is virtually guaranteed of his place in the side.

But the quest to win back-to-back championships is sufficient motivation and a feat Carman would like to complete "hopefully successfully".

"This is our major championship and to win it is a great honour and a tremendous feeling," said Carman during a break from practice at Huddersfield Golf Club where he is club professional.

"It's a feeling I'd obviously like to experience again.

"Russell Weir has won it twice in a row and only Ireland's David Jones, a good pal of mine, has won back-to-back as well.

"That would be a special accomplishment."

He will face fierce opposition in his bid to retain the crown.

Pleasington's Ged Furey, this week competing at Slaley Hall on the European Tour, is anxious to do well in order to make a return to the PGA Cup team.

Peter Cowan from Yorkshire, Scotland's Russell Weir and Joe Higgins of Patshull Park are also likely to feature prominently.

John Twissell from Clitheroe Golf Club is keen to figure as well.

"They pick the team for the PGA Cup following this event," added Carman.

"We'll be measured up for our suits and there'll be a few teeing up at County Louth who will be hoping to have an appointment with the tailor!"

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