NEW pro golfer Adam Chapman has taken a big early step in his new career by securing a place on the EuroPro Tour.

The Windermere player turned professional at the end of 2016, with one of his major aims for 2017 to earn a spot on the tour – which operates as the third tier of European golf, below the European Tour and the Challenge Tour.

He did that with some consistent play in two qualifiers, finishing 21st of 85 players in the first round at Formby Hall, near Liverpool, before coming home in 33rd from a field of 240 at Frilford Heath, Oxford.

Those efforts earned him his EuroPro Tour spot, and Chapman – now a member at Carus Green, near Kendal – said: “This was definitely one of my key targets for the year, so I’m delighted to be joining the EuroPro tour.

“I’m really looking forward to the season – my first as a professional and it’s got off to an extremely positive start.”

Chapman will compete in three separate tournaments next week in Lancashire and Cheshire, followed by the 18-36 tour, with the EuroPro opener on April 26 to 28 on the Colt Course at Close House.

The second event sees him travel to Ballykisteen, Ireland between May 10 and 12.

The South Cumbrian – who spent time playing in Portugal during the winter to prepare him for the season – will be hoping for success across in the season in UK and Ireland-based events, with more than £800,000 of prize money on offer over 15 events.

The tour also offers a way up to the Challenge Tour, with the top five on the order of merit at the end of the season awarded a category on the 2018 tour.

Chapman thanked his coaches at Carus Green for helping him reach the EuroPro, and said: “Of course, the team at Carus have been tremendous in helping me prepare for the months ahead; in particular, Graham Curtin and Andrew Pickering. Their on-going support is invaluable.”