Newly-crowned Isle of Man golf champion Tom Gandy has spoken of his delight at having turned professional.

After three years within the England Golf setup, during which time he competed in various events around Britain and beyond, the Island Games gold medallist felt it was time to further progress his fledgling career.

Speaking to the Manx Independent earlier this week, Gandy commented: ’I’m delighted to have turned pro after spending three years in the England Golf setup.

’I felt that it was all getting a bit stale and I really wanted to push on and challenge myself, to get back to playing golf for myself without worrying about squad selections, teams etc.

’I know that now is only the start and that I’m going to have to work even harder than I already do if I want to make a career out of my sport, but that is something I am more than prepared to do.

So how did the progression to pro status come about?

’It all came about when I signed up for European Tour Qualifying - which I need to thank Isle of Man Sport and Tower Insurance for helping me with - and I knew that this was the perfect opportunity to take the next step and move into the professional ranks.

’It’s difficult. I’m currently at European Tour Qualifying stage one but you need to get all the way through to stage three in order to actually get onto the European or Challenge Tours, so there’s a long way to go and the standard is fantastic.

’If it doesn’t work out this week and possibly at stage two, I’ll look to play Europro Tour next year - which is also now a highly reputable tour.

’In the short term I’m focused on trying to get through stage one and then maybe playing a couple of smaller events in the next few weeks in order to bed myself into the idea of playing for money.

’I’ll then more than likely have to go back to work for the winter months and save up some funds ahead of starting my season a bit earlier than normal next year.

’But we’ll see as it’s all kind of happened quickly and I need to sit down, have a little break and plan - something I’ve just simply not had chance to do yet.

’I’d like to thank England Golf and all the coaching/management staff for all their help and guidance over the last three years.

’Also thanks to Isle of Man Golf for all of their help right through my career, in particular a huge debt of gratitude to Geoff Skillicorn who resigned from the golf union this year but had taken the GU to a whole new level - I certainly wouldn’t be at the level I am without everything Geoff has done for me and the team.

’Thanks to Isle of Man Sport Aid, my scholarship sponsor Tower Insurance and to all the Sports Institute staff who are an ongoing great help to me.

’To my club Rowany Golf Club and all the members and also to Mount Murray.

’Finally to my family and in particular my mum for her patience and ongoing support - hopefully she’s proud and I’ll get to pay her back at some point!’