Joining pro game not always rosy

Given the financial rewards accrued by our top golfers, it is little surprise that many of the country’s outstanding amateurs have aspirations of someday sharing in the massive riches available from the professional game.

Sadly, for every Pádraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy, there have been countless others who came through the same Golfing Union of Ireland system and have long since faded from memory.

Cian McNamara is one of those who could have fallen into this trap but is now back on track. He is the new club professional at Monkstown while also testing the current status of his game on the Irish PGA Regions. He recently led the Irish qualifiers for the PGA Glenmuir Club Championship and is through to this month’s Irish Open at Carton House.