Former Boys international David Carey has decided to chase his dream and turn professional.

he 18-year old Carton House and Hermitage player has a category on the Alps Tour after making the cut at the Q-School late last year.

And after playing well in some of that circuit's winter series events in Egypt recently, he's opted to take the plunge.

he Dubliner will continue to study and plans to do his A Levels later this year to leave the college option open. But he also believes that leaving the amateur game behind is the best option for him right now.

"He gained the Alps Tour card and greatly enjoyed the atmosphere at the first two events," Carey's father, Dan, explained in an email. 

"We talked it over when we got back and the conclusion we came to, as well as others we asked for advice, was that the best step for David to take would be to turn pro and completely focus his time and efforts on the professional game.

"He plans to play the maximum number of events possible on the Alps Tour and to take any other opportunities arising. The plan is for David to finish his secondary school education and have a basis for college later."

Carey also played in two events in the ECCO Tour's winter series at PGA Catalunya Resort earlier this month but missed both cuts.

The 2011 Ulster Under 15 Boys champion qualified five shots behind Stuart Grehan and Colm Campbell in the "Close" at Seapoint last June and beat the likes of international Gary McDermott en route to the last eight, where he fell to eventual champion John-Ross Galbraith at the 17th.

He then went on to play in the Carton House team that won the Fred Daly Trophy.

Hooking up with multiple championship winner and respected PGA coach Noel Fox has proved to be a good move for 2011 Ulster Under 15 Boys champion, who is (we believe) the youngest Irish player to turn professional since Rory McIlroy took the plunge at the age of 18 in 2007.