Chris Purton is celebrating his second Sussex Order of Merit title but is content to play the waiting game.

The 19-year-old prospect, who is based at Horsham Golf and Fitness and has got down to a plus-two handicap, is content to remain as an amateur - for the time being.

He has another year in the colts ranks and will captain the side next season when he hopes to compete in the top tournaments that have previously been closed to him.

Purton, who finished joint fifth in the Sussex Open, four strokes behind winner Steve Graham, said: "I am staying amateur for a little while but naturally I would want to be a Tour player one day.

"This year I didn't get into the British Amateur but now that I am down to plus two there is every chance my entry will be accepted next year and for the West of England and Lytham Trophy. I know, too, that the EGU will be looking at me."

Purton went out in the third round of the English Amateur this year to eventual winner James Heath.

He started the season with a bang at local level, winning the first two Order of Merit events and wound up with victory in the last two.

He has played for ten years after first picking up a club at Horsham Golf and Fitness and was coached there by Mark Warner and Neil Burke.

Poulton said: "My target is the Walker Cup. Time is on my side and if I make it, then I'll have another think."

His final victory of the season was in the Cissbury Trophy at Worthing with rounds of 67 and 74 for 141 and a two-stroke advantage over Arwel Roberts.

The EGU selectors are well aware that Purton is on the fringe of breaking through.

Colin Wells, whose county captaincy is now drawing to a close, retains a keen interest in all the players.

He said: "It will be better for him (Purton) in future to play the championship courses rather than sticking to those just in Sussex.

"Getting experience of courses like Walton Heath and Sunningdale can only benefit his game.

"He will not discard the county or Mannings Heath, his club, who must understand he has served them well.

"But the way for Chris is forward in order to achieve his targets.

"Michael Lindfield, who I also brought in at an early age, showed his mettle throughout the season.

"He lost a little form towards the end which I blame on trying to keep over-fit and losing too much weight.

"I am pleased to say he is now playing well again, is also under the EGU spotlight and he wishes to work through the amateur ranks.

"He is another young man the county should be proud of."

Other members of the Sussex Colts have chosen to go their own ways like Craig McCollum, who failed at the first attempt in the Tour qualifying school, but will try again.