YOUNG SPANISH ACE PABLO READY TO

TURN PROFESSIONAL IN JUNE

Pablo Martin, the young Spaniard who could be the next Sergio Garcia, has flown from the United States - where he is a student at Oklahoma State University, to Portugal for two European Tour events.

Pablo, pictured right, winner of the British boys open amateur championship at Ganton in 2001 as a 15-year-old and then beaten by Rhys Davies in the final of 2003 at Hoylake, will return to the States play for Oklahoma State in the season-ending NCAA championships - then he will say goodbye to the university instead of returning for a fourth and final year.

Oklahoma State coach Mike McGraw said that the Spaniard will probably turn professional after the NCAA event in June.

"Pablo's told me he's not coming back for the 2007-2008 college season," McGraw said. "Now, if he decides tomorrow he wants to come back (for his senior year), I'd welcome him with open arms. But I don't think that's going to happen."
Martin, 20, is a two-time All-American who captured both the Jack Nicklaus and Fred Haskins awards last season as the college nation's outstanding player. Martin, who has not been at his best over the 2006-2007 college season, tied for 63rd at the PGA Tour's Mayakoba Classic in Mexico in late February. He is ranked 22nd in the Golfweek/Sagarin Performance Index this season.

He has won four tournaments at Oklahoma State and ranks first in stroke average for the Cowboys this season (71.08).
"You know I had heard a lot of people felt he would only be with us for one year and then turn pro," said McGraw. "We've had him for three years and they have been three very good years. He's a wonderful and talented young man and it's been great having him around. All of us here wish him all the best."

+Pablo Martin is off the boil at the moment. He had a three-over-par 75 in the Madeira Islands Open today.