But the 37-year-old won't be relaxing on the beaches of the Algarve, instead he's one of a Tartan Tour trio of club professionals who are bidding to reclaim the European PGA Team Championship at Vale de Lobo at the end of the month.

Jim, who has taken part in the competition twice before, will play alongside Colin Gillies and Sam Cairns and he's hoping for a repeat of his display in 2006 when he and Sam helped Scotland to win the title in Murcia.

“So far my record is played two, won one and lost one,” he said.

“So this time I'm looking for another win and it's great to have Sam in the ranks again.

“We get well together and I'm sure Colin will also fit in nicely.”

Teams are made up of the top three club pros throughout Europe and Jim claimed his place with the help of a win in the Callaway Golf Challenge at Haggs Castle last month.

“There are a lot of good players on the tour so I was delighted to claim a top three spot and qualify for Portugal,” he said.

“But it won't be easy over there.

“As well as the Home Countries there are another 30 teams from places like Spain, Sweden and Norway so there’s no doubt the competition will be fierce.”

That victory in 2006 was the last time the Scots tasted success but they have a great tradition in the event, with a record-setting run of five wins in seven years from 1990.

Play starts on Sunday, November 28 with the two best scores counting over each of the four days of the competition.

But while father-of -two Jim is out for victory he won't have the chance to celebrate it on his return to his home in East Kilbride.

“When I get back to Scotland I have go straight into hospital for surgery which will keep me away from my duties at Bogside for a couple of months,” he said.

“I'll miss everyone at the club but I'd like to thank all the members and committee for their support and best wishes and hope I can repay them by ending the season with a victory for Scotland.”