David Mortimer of FORE Ireland tees off on Wednesday in the first round of the Srixon PGA Play-Offs at Little Aston in Birmingham paired alongside David Shacklady – against whom Mortimer won the sudden death play-off at the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship at The Oxfordshire in August. The third player in the group is Richard Dinsdale of Wales.
David Higgins of Waterville is paired with two former winners, Chris Doak who took the title in 2008 and Paul Streeter in 2007.
Damian Mooney is in a group with Richard Wallis of England and Andrew Pestell of Wales.
The field of 21 will compete over 36-holes with the leading finishers gaining access to the BMW PGA Championship, Barclays Scottish Open and Celtic Manor Wales Open. In addition they also win entry to several Challenge Tour events.
PGA Chief Executive Sandy Jones has signalled the play-offs as one of the most innovative and best events in the Association's national tournament schedule as it brings together the best three players from each of the PGA's seven regions - with entry to some of Europe's biggest tournaments up for grabs.
"As most football fans will testify, play-offs offer an incredibly exciting finale to a season and it's no different when our best golfers assemble for the PGA Play-Offs," he said.
"By holding play-offs we are ensuring the strongest regional players get the opportunity to gain starts into European Tour and Challenge Tour events next year and it is also a great opportunity for those PGA members who want to take their playing career to the highest level."
Historic Woodhall Spa, rated one of the best inland courses in the UK, hosted the inaugural event which was won by Gary Marks.
A year later Paul Streeter triumphed at Hollinwell while Scotland's Chris Doak stormed to success at Royal Liverpool in 2008.
Last year it was won by Michael Watson at Little Aston.
