DANIELLE McVEIGH TURNS PRO, SAYING "TIME IS RIGHT"

DANIELLE McVEIGH in action for Great Britain and Ireland in the Vagliano Trophy match against the Continent of Europe at Royal Porthcawl in June. Image by Cal Carson Golf Agency.

EDITOR'S NOTE: It's been such a busy month that we missed the fact that Curtis Cup player Danielle McVeigh (Royal Co Down) turned professional earlier this month and made her debut in the Ladies Irish Open at Killeen Castle.

Here's what the Irish Ladies Golf Union website had to say about the the decision of the winner of the British women's open amateur stroke-play championship (at Royal Aberdeen) and Helen Holm Scottish women's open amateur stroke-play title to leave the amateur ranks:

FROM THE IRISH LADIES GOLF UNION WEBSITE
Irish women's amateur champion Danielle McVeigh announced her decision to turn professional on Monday, August 1, leaving behind her a glittering amateur career in which she rose to prominence by winning, among others, the British Amateur Open Strokeplay in 2009 and the Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship last year.
Danielle commented on her decision saying, “The time is right for me to progress and I have always wanted to turn pro. I am really excited about competing against some of the top golfers in Europe on a regular basis and I look forward to improving my game to the standard where I will play in some of the best tournaments in the world.”
“I have had so much support from everyone in Ireland, especially my club, Royal County Down, the help and support I have received from the staff and members of the club has certainly contributed to my success.”
“I have also had amazing support from the Irish Ladies Golf Union, who have supported me since I joined junior coaching at the age of 14. Their support in sending me to tournaments has allowed me to test my game against the top amateurs in the world.”

Danielle has also credited the support she has received from the Irish Sports Council and Sports Council Northern Ireland (SCNI), saying “The ISC and SCNI have provided great support to me over the last two years; the professional help and advice from the Sports Institutes have really helped me develop my approach to the game, by focusing on nutrition, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning as well as planning my performance.”

“My greatest inspiration has been my father, who passed away last year. He introduced me to the sport he loved when I was about 11. He always encouraged me and I know he would be really delighted that I am turning pro.”

Danielle plans to compete at in a number of events in the LET Access Tour with the hope of playing a full schedule on the LET Tour in 2012 after gaining a player's card at the LET Q School at La Manga.