JAMES WHITE WILL TURN PRO SOME TIME NEXT YEAR

JAMES White with one of the many trophies he has won in his amateur career - the North of Scotland Open Amateur Stroke-play Championship David Blair Trophy.

FROM TODAY'S SCOTTISH DAILY EXPRESS
By JOCK MacVICAR
James White yesterday declared that he is almost certain to turn professional next year. The 25-year-old Fifer's imminent decision to move into the paid ranks comes after being dropped by the SGU for their warm weather training sessions in Abu Dhabi and South Africa.
White has been a fixture in Scottish amateur squads for a number of years and in 2011, the former Stirling University student topped the SGU Orde of Merit.
But, with officials deciding to conceentrate their attention on the younger generation followintg a disappointing season as a whole for Scottish amateurs, during which no Scot was selected for the Walker Cup, White now finds himself on his own.
"I've received great support from the SGU over the years, but I was not given the option of the UAE or South Africa this time," said White, a member of Lundin Golf Club.
"I am 25 now, so they (the SGU) are maybe trying to phase me out
and are looking at working with a younger squad.
"I enjoyed my amateur career and it may not be over yet, but I think now is the right time for me to be playing in the professional game.
"Having been away for the last four winters, I've probably been spoiled, so now it's time for a reality check."
A BA graduate of Stirling University White has been working for a consultancy business for the last year and, as his boss is a golfer, White has been able to fit his commitments around tournaments.
He added: "The weather hasn't been too bad lately but it's still been quite tough trying to keep my game sharp enough for a test like this - he is in the field for Stage 1 of the Alps Tour Qualifying School at La Cala Resort, Spain ths week.
"I joined the Midland Alliance this season and that allowed me to keep a card in my hand and stay competitive. I've also been playing in club events and Winter League matches.
"I had a horribvle finish to my final round at the first stage of the Euroepan Tour Qualifying school at The Roxburghe and that was disappointing."
Missing out in the second stage has also meant he is in the first stage of the Alps Tour Q School, whereas fellow Fifer Scott Crichton is throgh to the final stage after he got to Stage 2 in the European Tour School.
"I'm keeping my options open at the moment so I've entered this event as an amateur. My aim is to play as a professional in 2014 and no matter what happens in Spain, it is likely that will be the case.
"Fingers crossed, I can get my Alps Tour card but, if not, there's the German Pro Golf Tour and also the PGA EuroPro Tour so other options are available to me.
"I've got a little bit of financial help in the pipeline but I'm not completely set yet. I'll see how things go in Spain and make my plans after that.
"The Alps Tour is a great place to learn your trade. It's where Scott Henry played for a spell before  moving on to the Challenge Tour then, last year, the European Tour. Now I aim to use it as a stepping stone, too.
"I feel as though I've got the game to be able to compete in the paid ranks and that's what I'm just about to find out.
"Until you step on to the course as a professional, though, you can never be sure that you are cut out for it but I'm hoping I'm up to the task."
+ James White's father, Jim White, was a leading Tartan Tour pro for a number of years.