Richard Green has been struggling with two injuries over the winter but he is hoping to shake them off in time to launch an assault on the Senior PGA Professional Championship at Northants County next week.
The Bramhall professional, who was runner-up in the competition last year, has had back and elbow problems for the last six months which have severely hampered his preparations for the season.
But despite this setback, Green still harbours hopes of going one better than last year and winning the event.
"I finished second last year so it would be nice to win it this year," he said.
"But I've been suffering from injury and I've hardly played at all. I've had a recurring back injury and tennis elbow so golf has been very limited and I'm only just starting to play again.
"My back is feeling much better now but my elbow is still bothering me a bit so we'll just have to see how it goes.
"Before the competition I've got a couple of pro-ams and club matches so hopefully I'll have at least four rounds before that week."
Green is relishing tackling a course renown for being tough, but one he enjoys.
"Last year it was very tricky and very bouncy but I like that sort of course so it suited me.
"It's tight but I don't have a problem with very tight golf courses."
Another player representing the north of the country is Brough Golf Club's Gordon Townhill, who is taking a lighthearted approach to the tournament.
"My preparation? I've done nothing," Townhill said with a laugh. "I've been too busy. But I'm reasonably match fit.
Underneath the laid-back exterior, however, Townhill is quietly relishing a rare PGA competition and is hoping for success to qualify for a European Seniors Tour event.
"Of course I'm taking it seriously and I've been doing a little bit of practice because it's such a good event," he said.
"It's probably the highlight of the year for senior club pros because there aren't many events. Being a senior event, it holds up very well with the guys and they are keen to play in it.
"If you come in the top four you get to play the PGA International Seniors at Stoke by Nayland and being in the top two qualifies you for the Seniors Open in Scotland so it's a great incentive for me."
Despite not hitting top form of late, Townhill is hoping to play his way into contention next week.
He added: "I played in the Azores in March but didn't do well there and I'm not playing very well at the moment but hopefully I'll hit a bit of form next week."
Donald Stirling returns to defend his title in the £30,000 event from May 28 to 30 at Northants County, where the top 20 finishers will qualify for the PGA Seniors Championship.
The leading four players will also get into the PGA International Seniors at Stoke by Nayland in August and there is one spot available for the Scottish Seniors Open.