MATT Mumford will be aiming to make his mark as professional golfer this year.

The 20-year-old who plays out of Wrag Barn has announced his decision to join the European Pro Tour this year.

The youngster, who won the men’s championships and set a new course record at Wrag last year, wasted little in opted to follow in the footsteps of club mates Martin Sell, Ben Loughrey and Josh Loughrey in leaving the amateur ranks behind.

Mumford will play in the first stage European Qualifying School at the Players Club in Bristol at the end of March with the aim of reaching the final stage to determine how many of the main European Tour events and what category he can play on.

And depending how he does, then Mumford will then spend the rest of the season on the Jamega Tour, which was won by Sell last year.

Matt’s father Mark Mumford admits he is nervous about his son joining the professional ranks.

“We are all very proud of Matt,” dad Mark said. “But as a parent you do get pretty anxious.

“We know it is a big step for Matt, he has a had a great year and you can never be sure of when the right time is to turn professional.

“While we were quite anxious, it was an easy decision for Matt.”

Having started playing golf at an early age, Mumford, who now has a plus-figure handicap, will once again attempt to reach the Open going to Remedy Oak for the qualifying.

But by then the youngster will also know how his season will be panning out.

“By the end of April, Matt will know how many events he will be playing in,” Mark added.

“This is the very first steps of going pro and we are so pleased for him.”