Matthew Fitzpatrick is determined to enjoy life in the paid ranks as the 19 year old prepares for his first event as a professional in the Irish Open at Fota Island Resort this week.
The Englishman, who won the US Amateur in 2013, finished as the low amateur in last week’s US Open Championship.
And now Fitzpatrick hopes to carry that impressive form into his professional career, although he is keen to burden himself with too many expectations.
“I'm really looking forward to it,” he said. “I played nine holes yesterday and 18 today in the pro am.
“The course is in great condition, and I feel The Irish Open, being an eighth Irish, it's really cool and I'm really looking forward to it; my dad's granddad was a full Irish, and then so that makes my granddad is half, and then a quarter and then me an eighth.
“I think I've got to sort of view it that I'm not sort of looking at the guys that I'm playing with and saying, oh, wow, these guys are really good. I think I've got to go in with the attitude that I've got to try and compete with these guys.
“For all I know, I might be ready, I might not be ready come Thursday. Just see at the end of the week how I've played and see how far away I am.
“I think I've just got to enjoy it at the same time and not get too caught up in it really.
“While I was an amateur, I tried to enjoy every professional event I could. I've always been lucky enough to play with some big guys and big names.
“So I just tried to enjoy it, tried to get some advice from them and answer as many questions as I could think of. Yes, I think it's a great experience, really. The more you play, the better it is.
The Irish Open is one of the few European Tour events to have been won by an amateur, with Shane Lowry claiming a shock victory in 2009.
And Fitzpatrick admits that gives him confidence as he prepares to embark on a new chapter in his career.
“I played with Shane last week actually and I was asking him about it,” he added. “He said it was crazy, it all just happened so fast. Obviously it would be lovely to do what he did, but at the same time, it's not easy.
“I think the best advice, really, and I've always said it as an amateur really, everyone just told me to just enjoy it. They said don't try and force it, you can't put pressure on yourself.
“I forget myself that I am only 19. I’m not trying to use that as an excuse, but I think it might not happen this year, might not happen for another two years, but could happen the third year. So I think I’ve just got to take my time and take it all in really and not force it.”
