WHEN the Integral Collection Classic tees-off in Saltburn this morning as part of the PGA EuroPro Tour, for one Marske lad, it will be an emotional homecoming.

Michael Skelton first played at Hunley Golf Club when he was ten-years-old, and, now 27, he cannot wait to get started.

"Having the EuroPro at Hunley is a wonderful opportunity, not just for Hunley, but the whole area. It's great that a club in our area is getting recognised for something exceptional," he said.

It has been a long road back for Skelton. After representing Yorkshire as a teenager and winning several regional titles, he became an English national champion at under-16 and under-18 level.

In his late teens, he travelled as far afield as Australia and South America, playing for England in youth tournaments all over the world.

He then made the step up to full international golf in 2002, playing for the full England Amateur side for three years.

Perhaps his greatest achievement was making the Great Britain and Ireland squad for the 2003 Walker Cup, the most famous tournament in amateur golf, at Ganton Golf Club in North Yorkshire. His last-day defeat of America's Adam Rubinson helped the team come from behind to take their third consecutive Walker cup win.

But Skelton struggled to maintain his amateur success after he turned professional in 2005. Leading the EuroPro order of merit going into the final round of the 2006 season, a poor round meant that he finished outside the top five and did not graduate to the Challenge Tour.

He admits that he never recovered from that disappointment, and patchy form over the next few seasons caused him to look for other opportunities, away from golf. Two years ago, he moved down to London to work in the fashion industry.

"The time away from the pro game has been brilliant for me. I turned professional at 21, and, when golf is all you know, you don't realise that there's a big wide world out there. Now that I have had that time away, I feel fresh and I really can't wait to tee-off," he said.

Skelton's round will be a real family affair, with his dad caddying.

"It's going to be brilliant to have my dad carrying my bag for me. We have a really special bond, we used to drive all over the country in a knackered little Astra. Must have racked-up thousands of miles in that thing. I have had a few other offers, but he was the only person for the job."

Even with his dad alongside him, Skelton will have to overcome a strong field to do well, with all of the players at the top of the EuroPro Order of Merit taking part. In particular the challenge of Huddersfield's Chris Hanson, who is currently way out in front in the Order of Merit.

Skelton says that, if the weather is fine, his target score is about 12 under, but that he would never predict where he will finish on his return to competitive golf.

"This tournament isn't about winning or losing, it's about enjoying my golf and enjoying coming home," he said.

While he may be happy just to be playing, many will keep an eye on the local golfer's progress as may just have what it takes to take a famous win at his childhood course.

n The Integral Collection Classic begin today with competitors teeing off between 7.30am and 2.14pm. The conclusion is expected to reach its climax late on Friday afternoon, with the finalists being announced at around 5pm.

Entry is free for spectators, but to guarantee a place register by emailing europro@hunleygolf.co.uk. or calling Hunley Hotel and Golf Club on 01287-676216.