MARK YOUNG is confident of retaining his Mitsushiba Northern Order of Merit title following his resounding 2007 win.

The Hurst Green hot-shot was the runaway leader for most of last year's campaign and eventually clinched the title by a massive 560 points.

And Young, 26, has now set his sights on back-to-back triumphs, as the order of merit begins again today with the Southport & Ainsdale Bowl, followed by tomorrow's Formby Hare.

"I haven't played over the winter, but I'm ready," said Young, who won his first Lancashire cap last year.

"Winning the order of merit was my greatest golfing achievement to date, and I'd love to win it again."