David Downie back playing and set to make EuroPro bid

DAVID Downie, a former Scottish Stroke-play champion who has spent the last few seasons coaching David Drysdale amongst others, is planning a return to professional golf this year on the PGA EuroPro Tour.

The 37-year-old Fifer last played competitively in the paid ranks in 1999 and was subsequently re-instated as an amateur, winning the Ladybank club championship in 2008 - 15 years after he had lifted the same title.

His own golf took a back seat again as he carved out a coaching career but now Downie, who lifted the Scottish Stroke-play title at Letham Grange in 1994, preceding Stephen Gallacher and Alastair Forsyth, is back practising hard again.

"I am contemplating going to the EuroPro Tour. It is taking a lot of hard work and fighting with one's self. But, if I don't give it a proper go, giving 100 per cent, it is something I may always regret," he told The Scotsman.

"That's the plan at the moment and I'm hitting a lot of golf balls. My last pro event was the Tour School in 1999 where I had 36 putts in the last round to miss by two shots.

"I'm definitely not over the hill. But I need to improve my fitness. I will no doubt have some turbulent rounds before I get settled in, but I suppose getting on to the European Tour will be the goal in the back of my mind."

Downie, who played in the Home Internationals for Scotland in 1993 and 1994, recalls losing to Drysdale in two play-offs when they were assistant professionals on the Tartan Tour before seeing their paths cross again, though they are no longer working together.

Nonetheless, Downie believes the experience he has gained from spending a lot of time on the practice range at European Tour events will prove helpful as he bids to resurrect his own playing career.

"I think I have been very fortunate to get an insight into what life is actually like on the Tour. As a youngster you have a picture in your heard but it is amazing how different it actually is," he added.

"Yes, the guys at the top end make an awful lot of money, but for the majority it's not as glamorous as you think. You are travelling constantly and living out of a suitcase - it is a tough life.

"One good thing I am finding is that the advancement in technology is unbelievable. The difference in the golf ball, for instance, is incredible to years ago. I also now have a putter which I wish I had years ago. It's a chest one which is better than the chin one that I had."

Qualifying for the EuroPro Tour starts in early April.