Scott Nightingale and Nigel Harrington, two key members of Worthing's successful Davies & Tate Trophy side, have decided to go for their Tour cards.

They don't throw their hats into the ring until after the final against East Brighton on September 16 while Joe Doherty, Worthing's county champion, has already re-affirmed his intention to stay amateur.

What started a few years ago as a steady trickle from the Sussex ranks into pro golf has now turned into a stream with varying degrees of success.

Both are 24 and, to meet expenses playing the amateur circuit, they work as silver service waiters at Worthing's Beach hotel.

Their routine of pushing plates and hours of dedication at Worthing's practise ground is one that enables them to stay fine-tuned.

Scott's handicap is down to plus two while Nigel, who gave up his job in a bank to play golf more or less full time, is off scratch.

The pair met as kids during their Hill Barn days and suitably encourged by their fathers.

Last year Nigel was the Sussex Order of Merit winner. Scott, three times Sussex Boys' championship runner-up, lost to Doherty in this year's Sussex Amateur final. In 1998 he reached the last 16 in the Amateur Championship and this year won the Chanctonbury Trophy.

Since the age of 12 his record of consistent improvement has been recognised at both club and county level.

Both he and Nigel attended Thomas a Becket school and towards the end of next month the good friends will see themselves in opposition.

For the four rounds of pre-qualifying that starts the horrendous business of getting to the final test, they have asked to play at Chart Hills.

Their amateur status will only be forfeited if they get to Spain in mid-November.

How do they view their chances? "I am quite looking forward to it," said Scott.

Nigel said: "I think it is the right time to have a go. I am happy at the way I am playing at the moment. If I keep it up then I have a chance."

This year Mark Hilton, Ed Burlison-Rush and Ryan Fenwick changed status and went straight into a programme of testing the water on the minor tours.

Before them Jamie Harris, Billy Turrell and Jonathan Blamires decided to leave the amateur scene. Jamie, of The Nevill, made it to the Open and did well in the Euro Pro Tour by finishing third, two strokes behind the winner.

There is little doubt that Doherty would have gone for his card last year but had the rotten luck to break a wrist.

Now 26, the 1998 Sussex Open champion, and current amateur titleholder who beat Nightingale in the final, is in a settled job as a recruitment consultant. At plus two his game is sharper than ever as the fracture mended nicely. He prefers to stay put.

"If I played golf for a living I would want to have a very comfortable living, but I haven't got the dedication and application to practise that hard. I think I have the ability, and I love the game, but not that much."

Wise words. Joe is a fierce competitor and has been since his father encouraged him to take up the game aged 14. But to put everything he has worked for outside golf on the line now is too much of a risk. Pro golf isn't just about shooting low scores. It is adjusting to the treadmill of airports, delayed flights, living out of a suitcase and the crushing disappointments that make up the weekly round of those who make the Tour let alone the vast majority who fall by the wayside.