Queenslander Taylor Macdonald is on the verge of launching an exciting new career as a Professional golfer.

At just 23 years of age, although old in his opinion, this
young talent is embarking on a new journey trading in his amateur status and
carpenters tools for the opportunity to make some money playing the game he
loves.

"I was getting old, I’m 23," laughed Macdonald.

"Being an amateur was sort of getting a bit boring, just
lobbing up to golf tournaments and playing for no reason, so I just turned Pro
a couple of days ago."

"I am looking forward to hopefully making some money. For
sure, it will definitely get me working harder and taking the next step."

Macdonald first started playing golf as a teenager because
his mates were and it was because of another mate that he finally decided to
make the leap into the Pro ranks.

"I used to play Australian Rules Football and then my mates
started playing golf at 11, I didn’t pick it up straight away, I started
playing when I was 12 and I kept playing football until I was 16. I got really
into golf at about 15-16 and I quite football," added Macdonald who has
represented Queensland and Australia as an amateur.

"Then my mate Cam Smith is killing it so that was a bit of a
heads up to turn Pro."

Although a career playing AFL could have been on the cards,
Macdonald developed a real passion for golf and soon the individual pursuit
took over this time.

"I loved it (AFL), I still do. I’m not fit enough to play
now let alone run the oranges," joked Macdonald.

"I guess you make a decision on what you want to do and what
you think is best."

Competing in the Isuzu Queensland Open tomorrow as a
Professional for the first time Macdonald isn’t intimidate as the prospect, having
already competed in a number of PGA Tour of Australasia tournaments.

"I’ve played this event a few times now, I don’t think it
will be any different because I have a P instead of an A next to my name, but I
am looking forward to it," added Macdonald who finished tied 12^th at
the tournament as an amateur last year.

"There is (pressure) of course, there is pressure everywhere
you go, and in everything you do."

"You just have to believe in yourself and believe that you
have the game in whatever you do. I’m just anxious to get out there."

Macdonald will tee off at 7.25am alongside New Zealand Open
champion Jordan Zunic and two time PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia winner
Matthew Griffin.