Steve Thorne has become one of the latest Dorset golfers to join the professional ranks at the age of 33.

"I needed a career change," said the winner of the Echo Sunshine Challenge three years ago. "If I didn't do it now I would never have made the switch." Thorne from Ensbury Park played at Meyrick Park and his handicap was14 four years ago. He decided to work hard at his game and gradually moved down to four.

He signed up with Richard Hill at Queens Park last summer and was finally allowed to sign as a trainee PGA professional when he passed his playing exam at Oake Manor.

He has already played in two Bournemouth Alliance events and a debut round of 71 at Parkstone brought third place and also second spot in the better ball. But he finished out of the prizes at Canford Magna and Isle of Purbeck.

He plans on competing in up to 30 events this season. He played well enough in the first West Region Titleist-Footjoy Assistants League at Exeter. A round of five-over-par in difficult conditions brought a cheque for £74.

But he suffered an injury in the second event at Bath. He occasionally has trouble from a finger he broke while playing cricket. It became dislocated during his round so he was forced to retire, although he remained on the course to mark his playing partner's card.