TWELVE months ago Ged Furey was on the crest of a wave after embarking on a voyage which would take in some of the top golf courses in the world.

The Pleasington professional had fulfilled a long-term ambition by qualifing for the European Tour and was looking forward to the prospect of playing against the game's top players.

Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Holland were all on the itinerary.

But life in the fast lane was not all it's cracked up to be.

A year on, Furey is back on the domestic scene and he can't wait to settle back into the old routine by re-establishing himself as one of the North's top club pros.

"It was a great experience last year and I'm really glad I did," said Furey.

"Obviously, I miss playing in that kind of company but I certainly don't miss the travelling. "I'm just enjoying being back home and settled again rather than waiting for the 'phone to go and someone saying can you jump on the next flight.

'It's a young man's game these days - it's more suited to a single chap with no ties.

"I had too many commitments to do it properly.

"But it's an ambition fulfilled and I'm glad I've done it."

Now Furey must swap Portugal for Portal and Spain for Southport as he bids to put himself back on the map at a local level.

And he's made a great start by qualifying for the final stages of the Club Professional Championships after an impressive show at Hesketh two weeks ago.

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