Fraser Mann leaving Musselburgh

post after 17 years to concentrate

on new SeniorsTour career


FROM THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS WEBSITE
By MARTIN DEMPSTER
Carnoustie-born Fraser Mann, the professional at Musselburgh Golf Club for nearly 17 years, is leaving the post at the end of March to concentrate on his new career on golf's European Senior Tour.
The former Scottish PGA and Northern Open champion secured his card for the over-50s circuit in Portugal last month and feels it would be problematic trying to combine both roles."It was a very difficult decision but, in fairness to both myself and the club, I felt I had to step down," said Mann, who succeeded Tom Stangoe at the Monktonhall club.
"I don't think there has really been anyone over the years who have been able to be a good club pro and a good tour player at the same time."
On his first visit to the Senior Tour Qualifying School, Mann tied for fifth, earning a card that will see him play most of the events on the 2010 schedule.
As he doesn't turn 50 until February, he was ineligible for the opening event in Mauritius recently but will be ready and raring to go when the season starts in earnest in the spring.
"Because I've got such a great exemption, I feel that I need to give this chance 110 per cent," he added. "After securing my card, I talked things over with my wife and life is too short to miss out on an opportunity like this.

"I finish at Musselburgh at the end of March and this gives me time to prepare properly. My first event is in the first week in March and I'll probably go out to Spain for two or three weeks to practise, working on my short game in particular.
"Looking further ahead, I may even look at getting a base abroad as there is no way you can do any serious work on your game in Scotland at this time of the year. I must admit I was a bit envious when the event was on in Mauritius recently but there could be as many as 20 events on the Seniors schedule next year and the chances are that I'll get into all of them.
"I also still have a full exemption on the Tartan Tour so I'll be playing in some of the events on that to fill in the gaps on the Seniors circuit."
While the Musselburgh members will be disappointed to see Mann move on, he has been overwhelmed by the congratulations he's received since his Tour School success.
"I've heard nothing but positive comments from the members while a whole host of people came up to me to offer their congratulations when I was through at the PGA Scottish Region annual lunch in Glasgow last week," he said.
"I spoke to Paul Lawrie there and he was asking me what it had felt like being back at the Tour School."
As Musselburgh go through the process of finding a successor, Mann believes the person they pick will land one of the best jobs in the country.
"I feel that we've built up a good business at the club and I have always taken pride in the fact that we have one of the best shops in Edinburgh," he added."I'll be very sorry to leave here because I've had great fun for nearly 17 years and the club have helped me loads over the years.
"We've done a power of work with juniors at the club and hopefully that will continue long after I'm gone."
Peter Millar, the club's admin secretary, said: "We will be sad to see Fraser go but, at the same time, we are pleased for him as this is a big opportunity and we certainly wish him well."