ARTHUR SPRING, the former Munster interprovincial, has turned professional at 51. His immediate target is the fourth staging of the European Seniors' Qualifying School at Peralada GC, Spain, over 54 holes from Wednesday to Friday of next week.
There are, in fact, 10 Irish challengers for the school - Bobby Browne, Denis Brosnan, Tony Coveney, Jimmy Kinsella, Michael Murphy, Andy Murphy, Tony O'Connor, Gordon Parkhill, Spring and Adam Whiston. Those exempted from last season's Order of Merit were Liam Higgins (£24,043 for 19th), Paul Leonard (£14,522 for 33rd) and Arnold O'Connor (£8,536 for 39th).
"Essentially, I have turned professional for business reasons, said Spring, a one handicap member of Tralee. "I am anxious to expand my golf course designing activities, which will be easier if I have professional status. But I also intend to be an active player."
Spring, a doctor, retired from his medical practice five years ago to embark on a career in golf course architecture. He has been responsible for the design of the Woodstock and East Clare courses, among others. He also plans to market Irish golf in the US, where he hopes to gain invitations into some senior events.
Ironically, Spring's son Graham, who played in the Home Internationals at Nairn two months ago, failed in his attempt to reach the Qualifying School for the regular tour at Sotogrande and San Rogue on November 21st to 26th.
Francis Howley, a successful graduate last year, is among six Irish challengers in a field of 182 - Jim Carvill, Cameron Clark, Howley, Damien McGrane, John McHenry and John Murray.
