A YOUNG Lochgelly man is poised to get the opportunity of a lifetime in pursuit of his dream to become a professional golfer.

But Dean Walsh has to raise a considerable sum of money to take up the opportunity of a golfing scholarship in the United States and he has been busy seeking sponsorship.

Dean is not letting being diagnosed as having Type 1 diabetes stand in his way and he received a boost last week when Cowdenbeath Rotary Club chose to sponsor him to the tune of £250.

Dean, who played for Scotland's team in the 2018 Under 18 Home Internationals, and is current Fife Boys Match Play Champion, said in his letter seeking support: "I was diagnosed as having Type 1 diabetes last year but was determined to not let that stand in my way of becoming a professional golfer.

"I have learned to manage my diabetes over the last year, and although it has brought challenges, it has not prevented me from pursuing my dream of becoming a professional golfer.

"Hard work, self discipline and determination to succeed have paid off as I now have a handicap of 0.6 and was selected to play for Scotland 18s in the the Home Internationals last season at Dornoch.

"I am now a member of the Scotland Boys Golf squad and I want to inspire other people who have diabetes to follow their dreams."

Dean added: "I have been offered a scholarship in the United States starting in August which will hopefully help me achieve my long held ambition of becoming a pro golfer.

"I realise that this will take a lot of hard work and self discipline but I am dedicated to my sport and determined to succeed.

"I am from a working class family, in Lochgelly, who are working very hard to fund my scholarship and help me realise my dream.

"However, as with other young athletes there have been considerable costs attached to helping me reach my full potential, including training costs, the cost of a personal coach, travelling and hotel costs when playing away from home, equipment, as well as the cost of entering competitions.

"In addition to this the costs attached to me going to America on a golf scholarship are considerable and that is why I am seeking sponsorship."

Craig's story impressed the Rotary Club members and he hopes that he will be lucky enough to have other local organisations and businesses backing him as he strives to reach his goal.