GOLF professional Steven Kelly is leaving Tulliallan Golf Club after running the pro shop for the past 33 years.

He is now in the last weeks of a huge clearance sale to empty the shop before he moves out at the end of the month.

But the sprightly 59-year-old is not hanging up his clubs and has already lined up an exclusive area where he will continue to offer coaching to his many ‘regular’ students of the game.

Steven said: “I decided it was time for a change after years of long hours behind the counter in the shop with 12-hour plus days the norm in summer months.

“In former times everyone supported their club professional. It was just accepted but now the competition from various sources including online makes it very difficult for club professionals.

“I’ve enjoyed working at Tulliallan but decided it was the right time for me to move on. I think it was quite a shock for some people and in response to requests from players who regularly get their game checked by me, I’ve arranged for teaching facilities elsewhere and will keep that side going.

“I have a few other ‘irons’ in the fire but meantime I’m concentrating on selling off all my stock before I move out.”

A former Scottish Assistants Champion, Steven secured his European Tour card at the Players School in 1981 and had a season on the Tour before securing the Tulliallan job.

Many local golfers have benefitted from his club repair skills which were honed initially at Europa Golf Manufacturing and developed as an assistant pro at West Kilbride and Loudon before moving to Glenbervie Golf Club where he was first assistant to the late John Panton.

Steven gained other professional success winning in Pro-Ams at Burntisland and Torrance House and gave several current club professionals their first step on their career ladder.

He was involved in Golf Foundation projects for juniors and county girls and has a good reputation as a teaching pro.

Steven added: “I won’t miss the 6am rises and hope to play a bit more social golf next year.”