MICHAEL Watson is itching to get the new season in full swing.

The Wessex Golf Centre professional’s first notable outing of 2012 is scheduled for next Wednesday – the start of the Total Triumph Order of Merit.

Looking further ahead, Watson will be aiming to book a place in this year’s Open at Royal Lytham, vying for glory at the PGA Professional Champion-ship in August and bidding to secure a spot in next year’s PGA Cup squad – the biennial clash between Great Britain & NI and their American counterparts.

The 42-year-old said: “It’s only just getting started really but we’ve got the first Order of Merit at Oake Manor in Taunton next week and then it will all start in earnest after that.

“I’ve only played three Pro-Ams this year and not done too badly so far, I just want to get going again.

“It’s been a long enough winter and with the weather we’ve been having it doesn’t seem to have stopped yet.”

The Weymouth golfer added: “Because I finished sixth in the PGA Championship last year I’m exempt from Regional Qualifying for the Open this year, so I will go straight to the Local Final Qualifying for a change, which is at the start of July.

“I just don’t know which course I will be playing on yet.

“The PGA Championship is the biggest tournament every year. It carries £10,000 for first prize and it carries points towards the PGA Cup team for next year.

“I lost in a play-off for the PGA Cup team last year and I’m now more determined than ever to make the team for next year.

“I’ll also be trying to finish in the top three in the Order of Merit to get to the PGA Play-offs in Turkey again later this year.”