Bradley Neil, the reigning Amateur champion from Blairgowrie who is making his debut in this week's Masters, is set to join the professional ranks in the summer and could be poised to sign on with the same management company that looks after the affairs of Tiger Woods.
The 19-year-old has stated that he has a verbal agreement with a management firm and insiders believe that it is Excel Sports Management, the company that handles Woods as well as former US Open champion Justin Rose.
A change to the rules of amateur status in recent years means that players are permitted to enter into agreements with agents or sponsors as long as they do not receive any financial gain while still a member of the unpaid ranks.
Neil said: "I have verbally committed to a management company but nothing is signed yet. I did have hopes of getting that done this week but I'm having a few things checked out before I sign anything.
"It is exciting, definitely. I have been close with the company for a while and I get on well with the guy who is going to manage me. I have spent a lot of time with him this week. It's great that it is all happening now, taking the steps towards turning pro. It is getting closer."
As well as an invitation to this week's Masters, Neil's Amateur Championship success last year earned him a place in this summer's US Open. He has also been invited to compete in the PGA Tour's Memorial tournament the week before. His American adventures means he will have to relinquish his Amateur Championship title while the clash of dates will also see him miss the St Andrews Links Trophy
He added: "I don't get the chance to defend the British Amateur because it is the same week as the US Open and I don't want to miss that. I don't get another crack at the St Andrews Links either because I am playing the Memorial. They are two of of the biggest amateur events in the game and I won one and was close to winning the other last year. It would have been nice to have had another shot at them both but I can't be too greedy. I have to think long-term. They are great links courses (Carnoustie and the Old Course) but not exactly tour courses. I am getting a better opportunity to learn about tour life when I am travelling and playing these tough courses over here."
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