Warrenpoint wonder Alison Coffey has shelved her plans to turn pro, because she can't stand living out of a suitcase.

The Ulster star was set to join the paid ranks but has changed her mind after seeing how hard it is to make a living.

The outstanding woman on the Irish circuit, Coffey has decided to focus on the Curtis Cup and the British Open instead.

She said: "I've no plans to turn pro at the moment. The plan is to play in the Curtis Cup win that in the US before heading back to work in September."

"I'm trying not to look too far ahead. I work for the Road Service in Northern Ireland but I'm out on six months unpaid leave at the moment until September.

"But even as an amateur is so hard. It's been hectic with work and training. I'm enjoying myself now and getting the chance to do things at home but at the height of the season it gets to the point where you come home, pack your bag, do some ironing and then pack your bag again.

"It gives you no time for a rest or seeing friends and that's not a very attractive proposition."

A civil engineer with the Northern Ireland roads authority, Coffey has decided to concentrate on her job when the season ends instead of heading for the tour school.

"I've got professional exams next year and that's it," she said. "Playing full time golf leaves me no time for anything else. I'm a qualified civil engineer, and that's my future."

Coffey won the St Rule Trophy and the Lancôme Irish Ladies Close title last season and also represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Vagliano Trophy match with Continental Europe in Venice.

And she got her season off to a fine start when the Great Britain and Ireland squad took on the British professionals in the Weetabix Challenge against Lady Professional in Woodhall Spa last week.

The amateurs lost 12-6 to the pros but Coffey showed her talent by winning won both of her games.

"I was quite pleased," she admitted. "I was playing with Kerry Smith in the foursomes and we beat Joanne Mills and Rachel Kirkwood and then in the singles I beat Elaine Radcliffe.

"It was a nice start. I played solid. In the afternoon Elaine didn't player her best but I was happy with my game.

"I'm just trying to improve my statistics and win more games and hole more putts and get on the Curtis Cup team.

"Hopefully I can then play in the US Amateur Women's Amateur before coming back for the Home Internationals."

Coffey has seen former Ireland team mates Hazel Kavanagh, Suzie O'Brien and Yvonne Cassidy opt for the professional ranks.

But she reckons it will hard for them to make a decent living from the game.

She said: "If it's something you really want to do then you should go for it. But it's difficult to make money in Europe and even the top money earners are playing on both the Evian Tour and the US Tour."
End
Shorts

O'Connor closer to Hall of Fame
Ireland's Christy O'Connor is edging closer to the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The Galway legend was fifth in the recent international poll that elected Tony Jacklin.

Former Ryder Cup captain and two time major winner Jacko got 66 % of the first choice votes.

Japanese trio Isao Aoki (59 %)m, Ayioko Okamato (40 %) and Jumbo Ozaki (38 %) finished just ahead of O'Connor, who polled 36 % of the first choices.

McDermott tops
Dubliner Michael McDermott was the toast of Ireland at the Sherry Cup in Spain.

McDermott finished second in the individual ranking as Ireland A finished second and Ireland B third in the team event behind Scotland.

McDermott is hoping for a call up to the Walker Cup panel. If he keeps this up, skipper Garth McGimpsey will surely take note.

Boys start well
Ireland's boys made a great start to the season with a 12-8 away win over Wales in Tenby.

Youngsters Thomas Kearney and Jonathan Caldwell finished unbeaten with two singles wins each and a foursomes victory in partnership.

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© Brian Keogh 2002

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