FULL circle is an apt phrase for the rounds of golf now to be made by James Drinkall.

At the age of 28, Drinkall has just been appointed the new head professional at Allerthorpe Park Golf Club.

Indeed, it is a full family takeover with he and his wife, Alex, plus James' parents Jan and Paul, all new directors of the club, which they have taken on a long lease from owners John Atkinson and his son Jonathan.

As the new head pro confirmed to The Press, it was some 16 years ago that Drinkall first took up the game at, of all places, Allerthorpe Park.

Recalled Drinkall: "I was steered towards the game by my dad, Paul. When I was 12 years old, he took me to play at Allerthorpe. Back then it was a nine-hole course - it's completely changed now."

Now Drinkall and his family are determined to help plot the further evolvement of the 18-hole parkland course.

"This is a fantastic opportunity - one which I don't think comes along too often," added Drinkall, who, besides his pro golfing qualifications, also has a sport and exercise science degree from Nottingham Trent University.

"This is a brand new venture for myself and my family, and a very exciting one. It's a real family concern and I believe we have got all the skills required. My wife, Alex, has a communications and public relations degree, my mum is a successful businesswoman and my dad is an outdoor kind of guy, who can turn his hand to most things. So we are all ideally suited to making this venture succeed."

After impressing as a junior player at Allerthorpe, Drinkall joined Malton and Norton GC as a youngster, graduating to appear in York Union matches.

After his degree, he then became assistant pro under the tutelage of Malton and Norton GC's esteemed coach and player Steve Robinson.

Two years ago the assistant, who has also featured as a midfielder with both Pickering Town FC and Whitby Town, opted to play tournament golf combining that with duties as a fitness instructor at The Oaks GC.

He said: "The tournament play was something I wanted to have a go at, but now I want to develop my career as a head pro realising that my future lies in coaching and having the responsibilities of a head pro."

One of the key areas Drinkall wishes to develop at Allerthorpe is a training academy for younger players.

At a time when North Yorkshire is saturated with clubs, Drinkall maintained there was still room to satisfy the popularity of the game, especially in the area of youth coaching. "The game is growing and clubs have to keep growing too and we need to keep promoting the introduction of youth."