SEAN McDonagh, the Rushmore Park professional, is back in America this week in search of a place on the lucrative PGA Tour next year.

He tees off in the first stage of qualifying at the TCP course at Heron's Bay near Miami in Florida. There are 80 contestants and he expects at least 20 per cent to graduate to the second stage next month.

After finishing as the leading Dorset player in the West Region Club professionals championship on his home course last week, he set off for the States.

He started in San Diego, California, where he received tuition from his coach Dennis Sheehy who also has US tour players Stephen Ames, Tim Heron, Mattias Gronberg and Neal Lancaster under his tuition.

McDonagh was able to attempt to qualify for the first time because of generous sponsorship that will be more than enough to carry him through the three stages should he make progress.

The former Broadstone amateur and Bournemouth Alliance player is encouraged by his experience of golf in the States last year when he played on the Gateway Tour, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and

California, until he and his wife Francesca returned home because of a family bereavement.

"I very much want to do this and feel my game is now in good enough shape to do well there," he said.

Mark Plummer from Bristol added the club pros title at Rushmore Park to the Welsh Professional championship he won the previous month with four-under-par 67.

McDonagh, from Ashley Heath, was four over after 11 holes but battled back with four birdies to card one-over 72 for a share of seventh place and £237.

Kevin Spurgeon (Dudsbury) was a shot further back and earned £178 for joint ninth place. Nigel Tokely (Broadstone) collected £122 for 75 while Jon Shimmons (Ashley Wood) returned 76.

Parkstone pro Martyn Thompson's rare playing appearance resulted in a no return. He failed to complete the final hole after dropping five shots on the back nine on a tricky day in the wind and rain after turning in level par.