Benn Barham is already looking forward to returning to competitive golf early next year after having one of his kidneys removed.

The Tenterden professional underwent surgery in Kent & Canterbury Hospital last week after scans revealed a potentially cancerous tumour.

He said: "I had suffered stomach problems at a couple of tournaments and was sent for an ultrasound scan.

"Although there weren’t any problems with my stomach, the scan did show a shadow on my kidney.

"So I then had a CT scan which revealed a tumour on my kidney and the doctors recommended I should have it removed."

Now recuperating back at home, the 34-year-old added: "It’s a relief to have got the operation over with and now I’m waiting to see the specialist again in a couple of weeks’ time to find out the results of the tests they carried out at the same time."

The operation means that Barham will be unable to try to regain his place on the full European Tour at the qualifying school in Spain next month but he is planning to play in a couple of Challenge Tour events early in 2011.