AFTER 12 months of serial stashing of silverware Malton & Norton Golf Club’s Chris Halley has announced his intent to become a professional.

The 28-year-old will turn pro in March with his debut earmarked for the 1836 tour competition at West Lancs Golf Club. This will be followed by the Euro Pro Tour School at Formby towards the end of March.

Halley’s 2013 was stellar in amassing prizes.

He won the prestigious Yorkshire Amateur champion title and then the Yorkshire Order of Merit crown, having won six of the seven events he entered – a new Merit record for the most victories.

Among his many triumphs were the Mackenzie Salver, which was won at Fulford GC, the Auchterlonie Spoon, the Cleveland Salver, the Pannal Rose Bowl, the Oakdale Acorn and the Moor Allerton Amateur Classic.

Said Whitby-born Halley, who finished last season with an impressive handicap of +4: “On the back of such a good year in 2013, I have decided to pursue my dream as a professional golfer.

“I have had some fantastic support, and am delighted to confirm Whitby Seafoods as my main sponsor for the year.

“I cannot thank everyone at Malton & Norton GC enough for their support.

I have spent hours there on the range and using the excellent short game area.

“I will continue to be attached to Malton & Norton GC as a tour professional, and hope I can inspire a generation of juniors to get involved at Malton & Norton GC.”

Looking ahead to his tour, he added: “The schedule for this year is better than ever. With events at The Belfry, Loch Lomond and Moor Allerton there is a huge incentive to get through tour school.

“I am playing well and confident I can make the step up, obviously you need a bit of luck, but with a mixture of good fortune and lots of hard work I know I can do it.”

Malton & Norton head professsional Michael Brooks, who has represented GB and Ireland as an amateur in the prestigious Walker Cup, believes Halley has a great chance of success.

Said Brooks: “Chris has had a great year in 2013 and is well equipped to deal with challenges ahead.

“He has a fantastic touch around the greens, and his driving strength and accuracy will stand him in good stead on the tour. He is a popular figure at the club and we all wish him well.”