Royal Dublin teenager Lee Owens is fleeing the Irish winter for three months' warm-weather training in South Africa which he hopes will ultimately lead to international recognition

Owens's goal is to make the Ireland team for next year's European Youths' team championship which is scheduled to take place at The Island and his acceptance into the well-regarded Martin Whitcher Academy in Johannesburg is seen as a significant step towards achieving that aim.

Owens and clubmate Gavin Pierce will depart for Whitcher's academy next week. Whitcher - who is coach to European Tour players Mark McNulty and Tony Johnstones - is recognised as the top coach in South Africa and has groomed many of that country's young amateurs towards a professional career.

"There is an intense programme at the academy. We'll be up at 6.30 am to go running and other such physical work and the rest of the day will be spent working on our golf games," said Owens. "I feel I have improved immensely in recent years, especially with my mental attitude, but the time spent with Martin should enable me to sharpen my game and continue to make progress."

Owens, son of Royal Dublin professional Leonard who has secured his playing rights on the European Seniors Tour this season, intends to return to Ireland in time to compete in the season-opening West of Ireland and plans to play in all the major senior and youths championships in an effort to put himself in the frame for international recognition in 2002.