FORMER Salisbury and South Wilts golfer Gary Emerson is preparing for a long-awaited return to the course where he launched his career more than 30 years ago.

The 50-year-old will re-visit Surrey-based course Foxhills for the first time to compete in the Senior PGA Professional Championship, which runs from today until Friday.

Emerson will be among a host of experienced professionals hoping to depose current champion Wraith Grant and claim the Bernard Hunt Memorial Trophy, as well as the £38,000 on offer.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said, “I’m hoping to get three good rounds under my belt and finish as well as I can.

“It’ll be good to get out there; it’s the first big event of the year for me, on a good course and just a couple of weeks before the European Senior Tour starts, which I’m aiming to do well in this year.

“It’s always an honour to play in a national event, and this one is no exception. I’m especially looking forward to being one of the younger lads for a change.”

The event will signal the start of a busy year for Emerson, who will be hoping to maintain a high level on the course while also continuing to coach to the next generation of rising stars.

“It definitely helps with my coaching to have a good level of experience behind me,” he said.

“It is always helpful to be able to pass on experiences that you have actually gone through yourself.”

It also gives me an advantage when it comes to looking at the psychological element too, which is very important when you are trying to play golf at a high level.”