David Lawrence says he is looking forward to the challenge of defending his title in the revamped Gosling’s International Invitational title next week.

The United States professional captured his first win at the second attempt last year and is hoping for back-to-back wins.

“I’m coming back with the same mindset and that’s put myself in a position to win,” Lawrence said. “If you do that and play well, then you just let the chips fall where they may. Hopefully, it’s good enough to defend the title.”

Lawrence won last year by two shots over nearest rival Henry Smart, of England.

“The first time [in 2017] I played over here, I finished third and obviously had the goal of improving on that last year. It was great to win,” he added.

Lawrence has been paired alongside Bermuda’s Camiko Smith and Daniel Gaunt, the 2017 winner, for the qualifying rounds.

“Camiko is really the one who turned me onto this event, so it’s always really special coming over here,” Lawrence said. “I’m really looking forward to playing the first couple of rounds with him.”

The field also boasts former winners Kent Fukushima, Bill Walsh, David Wettlaufer and Dwayne Pearman, who won the tournament in the early 1990s on the old course at Belmont, when the event was known as the Belmont Invitational.

“The field is pretty impressive and just seeing where everyone comes from to play in this event shows you the quality of the tournament,” Lawrence said.

The Gosling’s International Invitational has undergone significant changes since last year.

The tournament has been reduced from 72 to 54 holes and will be contested at three different courses: Port Royal Golf Course, Mid Ocean Club and Belmont Hills.

“I love Port Royal and Belmont Hills and have played well at both of those golf courses,” Lawrence added. “I’ll go refresh my notes on Port Royal and Belmont and do a little more scouting on Mid Ocean.”

Another new feature will involve professional and amateur players playing at separate courses during the opening two qualifying rounds.

Those that fail to make the cut will compete in a 18-hole consolation tournament for the new Seal Pup Cup at the par-3 Turtle Hill Golf Club layout at Fairmont Southampton.

The Gosling’s International Invitational runs from December 2 to 5.