Ben Campbell has a positive mindset as he prepares to take the first steps to what he hopes will be a lucrative career in the tough world which is the professional golf circuit.
The Masterton 21-year-old readily concedes the problems caused by a recurring foot injury and technical changes to his swing have caused his form to fluctuate in recent times.
But Campbell is confident he is now back on track and ready for a bold showing for what will be four days of intensive action at the European qualifying school, which gets under way in France on September 26.
Campbell expects more than 100 aspiring professionals to attend the school, with the top 30 progressing through to other qualifying events, the next being in Spain in early October.
The magnitude of the challenge confronting Campbell as he fights to earn the card that will enable him to play regularly on the European professional tour is not lost on a player who in 2010 was No6 in the world amateur rankings.
For starters, he has never played in France and has no experience of the type of course he will strike there. Then there is the pressure of knowing that one bad round could mean - at least in the short term - his European ambitions are placed on the back burner in favour of chasing the Australasian or Asian tours.
Typically, Campbell seems unfazed about all the ifs and buts.
Rather, he points to the fact he has often played in foreign territory before and achieved results which indicated that if he produced his best form he would do what he had to do.
"Yes, it's a huge challenge but if you want to play professionally then you have to be able to handle that sort of pressure, it's all part of the game. You can make all the excuses you want but if you don't play well then you don't progress, that's all there is to it," he told the Times-Age this week.
Having a large chunk of bone removed from a foot in surgery done in the United States, Campbell is walking freely again. He is thrilled with the way his game has improved since a decision to link up again with United States-based coach Kevin Kirk, after leaving him for a while to be guided by Australian Marty Joyce.
"Kevin has pretty much got the swing back to where it was when I was playing my best golf. I feel a lot happier about how that part of my game is going now," Campbell said. "I seem to be striking the ball really well."
The fact he has been able to spend the past few weeks in Masterton with family and catching up with old mates has also given Campbell a new lease on life.
"It's been great to be able to enjoy the company of people who mean a lot to you. I'm fresh and ready to go."
Once through the qualifying school in France, Campbell will turn his attention to what will almost certainly be his last appearance for New Zealand in amateur ranks, the prestigious Eisenhower Trophy teams event, which will be played in Turkey early next month.
In 2010, Campbell was part of a Kiwi line-up also involving Ryan Fox and Peter Spearman-Burn, which placed fourth at the Eisenhower in Argentina and he was fourth on the individual standings.
This time will see Campbell joined by good friend Matthew Perry and Vaughan McCall.
"I think we are a strong enough side to be right up there, it's just a matter of starting strongly and staying consistent all the way through," Campbell said. "I guess I have to lead from the front, that's certainly what I intend to do."
After the Eisenhower, Campbell will officially turn pro and play for money for the first time at the Perth International from October 18-21.
Signing with the IMG management group is seen by him as a vital move, as it will mean he can get on with the business of playing golf and let them sort out all the other issues which go with the trade.