Ian Winstanley announced his return to full-time golf after completing his studies by winning the Crosby Challenge Plate at wind-swept West Lancs.
And he's hoping history will repeat itself because after his victory over the Blundellsands links five years ago he went on to claim his first Mitsushiba Northern Order of Merit title.
"That's one of my targets again," said the Formby and Warrington plus two player, who left Leeds University with a sports science degree. "I also want to try to get back into the England set-up after a spell in the U21 squad but it will all depend on how well I do this season. I am entering all the major tournaments, including the Duncan Putter this weekend.
"Eventually, I plan to turn professional but not for the foreseeable future."
The 22-year-old Cheshire County player, who also won the Crosby Challenge Plate in 2006, clearly has a liking for one of the most testing courses in the region - he finished leading amateur in the Players' Tour fixture earlier in the week.
"I was level par then but the wind was much stronger this time," he said after firing five birdies over rounds of 76 and 72 for a four-over total as the merit swung into its 23rd campaign.
"It was a case of holding it together," he added, prevailing by a shot from Royal Liverpool's James Cook.
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