In an era of full-time amateurs and professionals in waiting, Brian Soutar bucked the growing trend by deciding to remain in the unpaid ranks and return to employment.
Wary of the financial rigours that come with chasing the dream, the Leven welding inspector opted to take a step back just as he was making his mark on the national and international stage.
Having won the Scottish Champion of Champions on the domestic circuit in 2011 and the South African Amateur Championship the following year, Soutar relinquished his place in the Scottish set-up and put any professional ambitions on the back burner.
This weekend, the Fifer will take a break from his day-to-day employment and return to the top level of the amateur scene when he joins a world- class field in the St Andrews Links Trophy.
With his schedule reduced by work commitments – he's had to chalk off next month's Scottish Amateur Championship among other events – the 28-year-old, who helped Scotland win the Home Internationals last season, is eager to rekindle his competitive fires. He still has his ambitions as a career amateur, too.
"In previous seasons, I've usually come into this event with a bit of form and now I've got to find a bit of form," said Soutar. "Don't get me wrong, though. I think I can do all right. I'm a little bit rusty but I just need to get practising and get more competitive again.
"I'd love to play for Scotland again and get back into the Homes team. Representing your country is fantastic and I want to get back to that level again."
As well as the returning Soutar, the home contingent in St Andrews includes Graeme Robertson, third in the Links Trophy last year, and Jack McDonald, sixth at last weekend's Scottish Open Strokeplay.
Garrick Porteous, the Englishman who won the Scottish title at Southerness, will be aiming for a double Scotch while Australia's Brady Watt, the world No.3, continues his Scottish golfing education with a trip to the cradle of the game.
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