Darren Clarke will attempt to create European Tour history at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel this week by capturing the Compass Group English Open title for the third successive year.
Former Ryder Cup captain Mark James won successive English Open titles in 1989 and 1990, but no-one has completed the hat-trick the Ulsterman will strive for, after his victories at Marriott Hanbury Manor in 1999 and at Marriott Forest of Arden last year.
"I am looking forward immensely to defending my title and trying to join Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Ian Woosnam as the only golfers who have won an event three years in a row," said Clarke.
Clarke's two successes have perfectly illustrated the World Number Ten's versatility. In 1999 he produced a masterclass in leading from the front, taking charge at the halfway stage before weekend rounds of 67-68 gave him a two shot victory.
Last year, the complete reverse was the case as Clarke found himself six shots off the pace going into the last round before a superb closing 65 saw him make up the deficit to win by a shot.
"I have happy memories of last year when I came from behind to win," said Clarke. "That was my best comeback and it was a great thrill to win from that position. Hopefully I will be in a position to make it a hat-trick."
The top-quality field assembled at the Marriott Forest of Arden will play for an increased prize fund of £800,000 and amongst the players joining Clarke in the quest for the title are his stablemate Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie and Volvo PGA champion Andrew Oldcorn.
Westwood, the 2000 Volvo Order of Merit winner, was the last person to win the title before Clarke began his domination, taking the 1998 event at Marriott Hanbury Manor with four rounds in the 60s to give him a 17 under par total of 271.
"As an Englishman, it was a great thrill to win the title for the first time three years ago and I would love nothing better than to capture my national championship once again," he said.
The 7182 yard Championship Arden Course is a quintessentially English setting deep in the heart of Shakespeare's county and will be in its usual pristine condition thanks to the sterling efforts of course manager Kenny MacKay and his team.
