Golf: Jane Turner for pro debut

CRAIGIELAW’S Jane Turner, last year’s Scottish Women’s Championship runner-up, has turned professional and will make her debut in the paid ranks at Downfield tomorrow on the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre Scottish Ladies Open Tour.

“I have known since the start of the year that I want to go to Tour School in December to qualify for my 2014 card,” the Scottish international told The Scotsman. “The right thing to do seemed to be staying amateur for the season leading up to this, having some good results and trying to get sponsors behind me off the back of these results.

“However, the new Scottish Tour provides an opportunity that never existed before, and I think it is a great stepping stone to the LET.”

Turner makes her professional bow with LET player Pamela Pretswell, who spearheads strong fields at both Downfield and Carnoustie Burnside, Wednesday’s venue for the latest double-header on the schedule.

“It is obvious that you must be at the highest standard of golf to make the transition from amateur to professional golf, but I also believe that a great deal of your success lies in your mentality,” added Turner. “Having to play for money and play for what is essentially your wage is a very different prize to what lies at the end of an amateur event.

“For that reason alone I believe turning professional now, a few months prior to tour school, is the best option for me.”

Turner bowed out of the amateur ranks by helping Midlothian retain the East Women’s Inter-County title at Glenbervie last week.