THE PGA EuroPro Tour returns for the first tournament of 2006 with the Wensum Valley International Open, which takes place at Wensum Valley GC in Norfolk this week .

Wensum Valley hosted the opening event of 2005, and will be the official starting point for the 2006 season when players tee off on Wednesday.

The 54-hole Wensum Valley International Open tournament will feature many of the world's top young golfers, who are looking to take the next step onto the European Tour.

Australia's Daniel Gaunt, who won once on the 2005 PGA EuroPro Tour and had seven top-ten finishes, will be among the field, along with other stars from last year such as David Fisher and Michael Welch.

Simon Hurd, a former winner on the PGA EuroPro Tour, has European Tour experience, as does Welshman Mark Mouland, who has two tour victories to his name.

Host professional Dean Futter will hope that his inside knowledge of Wensum Valley will give him the edge, while leading East Anglia player Robin Mann will also compete in the 156-man field.

"I know from speaking to the players that they cannot wait to get back into action," said PGA EuroPro Tour Managing Director Eddie Hearn.

"Many of the players came through the Qualifying School earlier this month, which was one of the toughest fields ever.

"They will now hope that the hard work they have put in during the winter will earn its rewards on the PGA EuroPro Tour.

"With events coming up in The Azores and Portugal, it is important that players make a good start at Wensum Valley.

"The tournament was superb 12 months ago, when Andrew Marshall (pictured) chipped in to take the title on the last hole.

"I'm sure with the calibre of player on show this week it could go right to the wire again."