Earlam realises pro ambition

PUT IT THERE: Mark Smith (left) congratulates Andy Earlam.

GOLF: ANDY Earlam has fulfilled a long-held ambition by turning professional.

“I have been playing at Stamford since I was 10 years old and it is something I have always wanted to do,” said the 25 year old, who becomes club pro Mark Smith’s assistant.

“I am looking forward to both coaching and playing in events.”

The two-time winner of the Old Links Trophy at Lytham St Annes and double winner of Stamford’s Captain’s Trophy, Earlam — whose old job was a panel fabricator — passed his PGA playing ability test in Bolton. He will now work in Stamford’s club shop part-time and is taking on a three-year foundation degree at Birmingham University.

Earlam, who moves from a handicap of four to scratch, will play in assistant pro competitions. He will also continue to represent Stamford in the Manchester Alliance. At the end of his course, he will be qualified to teach the game. A more immediate ambition on the horizon is to qualify for The Open next year.