PLEASINGTON professional Ged Furey is hoping to repeat his Open Championship feat of 13 years ago and qualify for this year's event at Lytham and St Annes.

Back in 1988, Furey qualified for the world's most prestigious golf competition after regional and final qualifying.

And despite the contest being ruined by the weather -- the event was extended for an extra day for the first time because of lashing wind and rain -- Furey says it was a never-to-be-forgotten experience.

"It was fantastic," said the 40-year-old, who was 28 when he enjoyed his only Open.

"And it was at Lytham as well which is my favourite course.

"It was definitely the highlight of my career, there were so many members there watching and giving their support.

"But the weather was horrendous. It took the shine off it a little bit and it had to be extended for an extra day which had never been done before.

"But it was still the best experience of my career."

Furey has entered the qualifying stages every year since, and has come close to qualifying on a number of occasions.

But he has yet to repeat his 1988 feat.

"I have made it to the final qualifiers every year and I have been so close so many times.

"I have been within one shot of qualifying three times since.

"I have tasted it now and it has been at my fingertips so many times I am determined to do it this year, especially with it being at Lytham."

Furey will embark on this year's Open quest at the regional qualifying event at Carlisle in Cumbria, but has already secured his passage into the final stage of qualifying next year.

"I finished in the top 10 at the Great Britain and Ireland Club Professional's Championships this year which means I will go straight through to final qualifying for the Open next year."

To add to the top ten finish in the Club Pro's Championships, Furey finished joint first at the HSBC Manx Classic at Castletown on the Isle of Man just a week ago.

He was close to his third outright victory in the event in 10 years but was denied by Denton professional Mike Hollingsworth.

"That was disappointing but I was happy with it as well because I haven't been playing much this season.

"But I am playing well and hopefully I can carry it on."

After the weather disaster of 13 years ago, Furey is wary of making predictions of what type of score might be enough to qualify from Carlisle next week.

"It depends on the weather but usually level par should get you in or should definitely get you a play-off anyway."