The trend among rookie pros selling shares in themselves has caught on.

Ed Rush started it in Sussex and Dean Plant recently came up with a similar business plan.

Now Russell Cronin, who is on attachment at West Hove, is offering a slice of anything he makes on the EuroPro Tour next year at £100 a throw.

"What I earn I'll give 80 per cent back to the sponsor," he said. Cronin revealed that there has been a good reaction already from West Hove members who have a reputation for digging deep.

So far Cronin has only played the northern based Tamsel Tour. This is confined to 36 holes an event and costs £160 each time to enter.

In his debut year Cronin broke even and last year was generally down. The EuroPro and Challenge Tours involve greater expense, hence Cronin's search for sponsorships.

Next season he and Michael Mudie, the former Dyke amateur, plan to travel the circuit by camper van to save money. "That way we will reduce paying for overnight stops and having to count every penny which will be a big help," said Cronin.

Two years ago Cronin won the Sussex Colts championship. Next month he celebrates his 21st birthday and would like nothing better for a present than a strong response to his share appeal.

Meanwhile, Neil Georges, who plays out of East Sussex National, is to try his luck in the US this winter. He has been offered an exemption on the Hooters Tour in January and February in Florida.

This will come after a four-week break in New Zealand over the Christmas period. Depending on results Georges, 28, may then look at playing more in the US next year or return to the UK to play the EuroPro Tour, South Region and Sussex PGU tournaments.

For the past eight years Georges has been an SPGU member and playing full time over the last two.

A few tips by European Tour pros and close friends Stephen Scahill and Peter Fowler plus swing adjustments suggested by Tim Spence have sharpened his game.

Georges is funding all his tournament dates personally but would welcome any sponsorships.