MATT Southgate admits he cannot wait to get started at the BMW PGA Championship this morning after his career-best performance at the Irish Open.

The 28-year-old Southend golfer finished fourth at the K Club last weekend, pocketing 200,000 euros in prize money and secured his European Tour card for next season in the process.

The result ensured the Thorpe Hall Golf Club member would be lining up at the Wentworth Club this weekend, alongside fellow south Essex professional Daniel Brooks.

Southgate had played back-to-aback tournaments in Spain, China, Morocco, Mauritius and Ireland before heading to Surrey although said he would rather be playing all the while he was hitting the ball so well.

And he said he is excited to get underway, although admitted just a week ago he had been planning a weekend off.

“I never expected to be playing in the PGA Championship,” said Southgate. “I have played a lot of golf in recent weeks and I was looking forward to a bit of a break in all honesty.

“But then I went to Ireland and things changed so I can’t wait. I am in a really confident mood and am hitting the ball well so it will be great to get back out there and at such a beautiful course.

“Because I have got my European Tour card for next season I am looking forward to seeing how I play without pressure for the rest of the season. But I am still hungry to achieve more of course.”

Southgate tees off at 10.20am this morning alongside Richard Green and John Carlsson, while Brooks begins at 3.30pm with Prom Meesawat and Gareth Wright.

Live coverage of the PGA Championship begins at 10am this morning on Sky Sports 4.