professional golfer Kim Swan aims to continue his quest for international recognition.

The St. George's club pro, once a European Tour player, is scheduled to leave the Island again this weekend for Florida where he will receive instruction from teaching pro Adam Shriver before entering a Nike mini-tour event on June 13 in Richmond, Virginia.

Lack of sponsorship continues to be a thorn in Swan's side, forcing him to make periodic trips home to build up his cash reserves. But he says this hasn't discouraged him.

"I haven't given up. In fact, I am more encouraged than ever because I am as focused as I have ever been as far being able to reach my goal.'' The former Bermuda Open champion firmly believes he can still make major accomplishments at international level, despite his limited success this year.

His best pay day so far has been $587, hardly sufficient to finance a prolonged stay overseas.

But he adds: "I know my golf game. I believe in it and I believe in myself and I am going to keep on going.

"The hardest thing right now is having to do this out of my own pocket, having to return home and stay for awhile to earn sufficient money in order to go back.

"It's just not always easy to pick up where you left off.

"I would love to be able to play continuously, but coming back interrupts things and it's tough. But this is not deterring me from what I know I must do.'' Following the recent World Cup qualifier in Jamaica where Swan and Cornell Bean failed to finish in the top half of the field, Swan says his game has improved.

And he puts that improvement down to lessons he's been receiving from instructor Shriver at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy where he has made various adjustments to his technique.

"My main goal is to get my tour card, so I have to keep my game sharp and be as competitive as possible. The problem is that remaining here to play is no help. I have to go abroad and play as often as possible against top quality players.

"I have done pretty good on the mini tour so far this year, but I didn't do well in the World Cup event. The one cheque I made on the mini tour wasn't much, but it helped my spirits. I came close to getting another cheque afterwards but missed out by two strokes even though I shot two-under for three rounds.'' With his sights set on making either the Nike Tour or the more prestigious PGA Tour, Swan appreciates the obstacles ahead.

But he says a breakthrough on the mini tour would enable him to earn sufficient cash to compete regularly among some of the elite players.

"I continue to tell myself that I have to start making a breakthrough financially.'' His current plans call for a two-week trip during which time he will work on his game at the Golf Academy in Florida and then play the Nike mini tournament in Virginia before returning home.

KIM SWAN -- returning to Florida this week.