Dean Plant is leaving the security of an assistant's job at Willingdon to play the minor tours full time.

It is a risk he is willing to take knowing that failure could see him finish up skint and his appetite for the game severely dented.

The 24 year-old all-rounder says it is now or never time to have a crack at tougher competition. He has resigned his PGA membership, is moving to the Southampton area to set up home with girlfriend Shelley and hoping for an attachment with a local club.

While future employment on a part-time basis is not yet settled, Dean could be associated with Botley Park or Hamptworth. It is only a year since he turned pro after playing as an amateur for Willingdon. Before that he was a junior at East Brighton, his home town club where father Tony and uncle Paul are members.

To keep in top shape and earn money Dean works on building sites. Before assisting Troy Moore at Willingdon he used to do three days in the shop while an amateur but now he sees no future in either teaching or selling packets of tees and clothing.

"I have learned a lot in the last year but I am determined to see what I can do by devoting all my time to just playing," he said.

"That wasn't possible at Willingdon and I accepted that. I've been labouring to get some pennies in to help with expenses for the season when I shall play the Euro Pro Tour. I will give myself three years to see how it goes. If I give it a go, I want to give it a proper go."

Dean is under no illusions. Many hopefuls have fallen flat on their faces either through pressure or running out of cash. To launch himself on a programme of around 15 events with an outlay of about £300 each time will be a heavy drain on his bank account without sponsorship. Only by winning money can he survive.

Golf was not the only string to Dean's sporting bow. At 6ft 3in he had no problems playing in goal for Saltdean and kept for Sussex Boys.

As a 14-year-old he was on Chelsea's books but later opted for golf and graduated to the county team.

Now golf gets really serious but that's the way he wants it.