HURST GREEN’S Mark Young takes his first step towards winning golf’s Northern Order of Merit for the fourth time in five years on Sunday.

The 29-year-old Longridge amateur will attempt to defend his coveted crown when he competes for the Pine Trophy at Hillside.

It is the second of 30 events contested over the course of 2011 that make up the Order of Merit.

Lancashire ace Young picked up his first title in 2007 and then, 12 months later, became the first golfer in 13 years to defend the honour.

The plus-three handicapper missed out on three in a row, but regained his title in 2010 after an explosive season in which he broke two course records – at Wilmslow and Grange Park – within the space of eight days.

He is the second most decorated golfer in the Order of Merit, behind five-times winner Garry Board-man.

Chasing Boardman at the top of the tree is now one of Young’s ambitions.

“I would love to win it again,” said Young. “I’ll never turn down the chance to pick up victories.

“I’ve done well over the last few years and hopefully I can still keep it going.”

Young has not enjoyed the best of starts to 2011, missing the cuts at two national events, the West of England Open and last weekend’s Lytham Trophy.

With aspirations to one day represent England, he admits his form must pick up soon.

“England won’t pick me if I’m missing cuts,” Young said. “But that’s something I won’t give up on.

“It’s going to be a very busy year and I’m going to take part in a number of national events.”

Among the high-profile summer tournaments on his schedule include the St Andrews Link Trophy, along with the British and England Opens, all of which take part in June.

After Sunday’s effort at Hillside, he heads to Hesketh on May 15.