FORMER Russian Open champion Gary Emerson has teamed up with a Dorset renewable energy company in a bid to resurrect his European Tour career.

The Remedy Oak touring professional will compete in this weekend’s gruelling Tour School in Spain, thanks to a sponsorship deal with The Energy Conservation Group.

The Three Legged Cross-based business will provide the funds needed for Emerson to compete at the highest level.

“I am looking forward to competing again in a serious way having worked hard on my golf game in recent months,” said Emerson, who lost his playing privileges in 2008..

At 47-years-old, Emerson will be one of the oldest competitors in a field of 156 players chasing just 30 European Tour cards.

But Emerson goes into the demanding six-round competition at PGA Catalunya in a rich vein of form.

He has won three events on this year’s PGA West Region circuit and has rekindled the sort of form that saw him become Dorset’s most successful golfer.

Emerson won his maiden title in Moscow six years ago, and followed that success with runners-up places at The Belfry in the British Masters and the Dutch Open over the following two years. His highest finish on the money list was in 2006 when he finished in 76th place.

“My form has been better this year and is certainly a step in the right direction. My concentration levels are much better and it is good to be shooting 65 and 66s again,” he added.

As a European Tour winner, Emerson enjoys a 10-year exemption from the Tour School’s two pre-qualifying tournaments and can play on the Seniors Tour for a year when he turns 50 in 2013.

Emerson, however, is grateful for the opportunity to try and win back a Tour card.

“I am delighted to be teaming up with The Energy Conser-vation Group and look forward to helping them increase public awareness of domestic solar electricity generation.”

The company’s chairman Michael Phillips said: “We are always looking for ways to promote our products and services. Three of our company’s executives, including myself, are members at Remedy Oak and know Gary well.

“He deserves this chance and we are pleased to be connected with a local sportsman. Gary is also an excellent coach and has helped me get my handicap down from 8 to 5.7.”

The final qualification stage of the Tour School starts on Saturday. There is a cut after four rounds with only the top 60 players and ties progressing to the final two days.