Doug Arnold, the Copthorne conjuror, chases an unprecedented third successive English Seniors' championship crown next week.

He starts at John O'Gaunt on Wednesday when 240 of the best over-55s in the country defy anno domini taking the test every bit as seriously as fledgling and seasoned pros.

It was two years ago on Merseyside when Arnold lifted the title and was more concerned with leaving his wife with a flooded kitchen after a hose broke on their dishwasher than outscoring the field.

Last year at Frilford Heath he again proved very much the man for the big occasion, putting four strokes between himself and the runner-up. The performances gained Arnold a place in the England team and he took second spot in the European championship.

Nothing much upsets the 57-year-old maestro. During a warm-up round at Frilford Heath the face of his driver split. So Arnold popped into the Frilford pro and borrowed another Callaway that worked a treat.

No wonder Copthorne members turn out to support him in force. After his first win he donated the trophy to the Copthorne club and they returned the compliment by giving him a party.

While there have been previous three-times winners of the championship nobody has been top dog in successive years since it all started in 1981. Arnold's first win denied Crewe's Roy Smethhurst three-in-a-row, the retired computer systems designer winning at Moor Park and at Sherwood Forest.

The pair are likely to be in contention this time with fellow senior internationals David Lane (Goring and Streatley), also twice a winner, and 1998 champion Jon Marks, of Woodbridge.

The field also includes two other former winners, Graham Steel (Moor Park) and Brian Berney, joint winner at West Lancs in 1996 and a newcomer to East Brighton's Davies and Tate team. Also competing is Bernard Yates, of The Dyke and the new Sussex president.

Arnold did not vary his routine after surrendering the Sussex Senior title last week to fellow club member Kerry Scott. After work on a building site he joined Rob Granger, Robin Couchman and Pete Hargreaves for their regular Tuesday night challenge at Copthorne.

"It's all good fun and very competitive. I'm quite happy at the way things are going and am 100 per cent fit and manage nine holes most evenings.

"I'll be up two days before the championship to get in a practice round on each of the two courses. I last played there 30 years ago so I need to familiarise myself."

Neil Smith will again caddy for Arnold, having supported him in the English and European seniors by hefting the bag and offering words of advice and encouragement.

"I decided to retire from the scratch team at Copthorne this year," said one-handicapper Arnold. "The birthdays keep coming round so I play in the Cyril Blake Cup for the seniors instead."

Copthorne's Kerry Scott, the Sussex vice-captain, is the new seniors champion of the county. Four times winner Arnold finished outside the first three and relinquished the title to Scott who won by three strokes at Bognor.