PROFESSIONAL Freddy Valenti will be hoping to use his knowledge of Birchwood golf course to good effect again on Monday.

The former Birchwood junior member will be hoping to repeat last year's qualifying success on the course to again reach the final of the Gulf Air International Pro-Captain Challenge.

Last year Valenti claimed victory with his Pryors Hayes Golf Club partner Garry Randles and their four under par round of 67 booked their ticket to Bahrain to represent the Professional Golfers Association's north region in the final, where they finished fifth.

This time, Valenti, who is a former professional at Drive Time, Warrington, will be partnered by 14-handicapper Phil Doddy in the first of seven qualifiers, which has attracted an entry of 46 professionals and their respective club captains.

Among the other pairings who could be featuring at the sharp end are John Oates from Renishaw Park in Sheffield, accompanied by 18-handicapper, John Crabtree, and Kendal's Peter Scott, who will travel with 11-handicapper, Gary Archer - a manager at Westmorland General Hospital.

Valenti said about the Gulf Air International Pro-Captain Challenge: "It really captured the imagination last year and looks set to become a permanent fixture in many pros' calendars.

"The grand final was a great experience in every sense. Everything was five star and we also had a great visit to the Bahrain Grand Prix circuit."