DESPITE seeing his dreams of becoming a professional golfer turn sour, Andrew Blythe insists he does not regret giving up his amateur status.
Blythe, from Eaglescliffe, quit his £30,000-a-year executive sales job back in January to concentrate on making it on the professional circuit.
But following three unsuccessful tournaments on the EuroPro Tour and without the security of a sponsor, the reigning Durham County champion was forced to withdraw after seeing his £8,000 savings dry up from expensive tournament tolls, living costs and travelling expenses. However, Blythe, who has now moved in with his father-in-law, insists turning professional was the right thing to do.
"It was a massive gamble that ultimately hasn't paid off," said Blythe, who is now set to compete on the North-East and NW Professional Tour - where tournament entry fees are a lot cheaper than on the EuroPro Tour - after receiving his PGA pro card this week.
"I am glad I did it. It is certainly better than working as a salesman and at least I can look back in five years' time and say 'I tried it'. I wanted to play golf professionally; I wasn't enjoying playing amateur golf because it was like having two full-time jobs. It was very tiring."
However, the 28-year-old Teessider, who last season capped a superb year by winning the championship at his former club Eaglescliffe for the first time, does admit that entering the EuroPro Tour without a sponsor was a big mistake.
"With the right planning and preparation I am sure it would have been a lot different," he said.
"I went into the Tour convinced that it would only be a matter of time before I got a sponsor, but it just didn't happen. I had had assurances but they just never materialised. It was awful going around with what felt like a begging bowl asking for money."
Blythe is now mulling over the possibility of teaching golf in Germany. "I haven't quite decided yet what I am going to do next year. I still need to discuss it with my wife," he added.
"I have a lot of friends in Germany and you can make lot of money teaching there. I just need to get myself back on track."
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