Worcester Park-based golf professional Andy Vass is out to prove attacks of the golfing jitters are all in the mind after the problem led to him hanging up his clubs.

The 39-year-old gave up making a living from tournament golf when attempts to master his own first tee nerves forced a career change - into hypno-therapy.

Scratch player Vass, who admits he was never good enough to join the ranks of Europe's elite, took up coaching - which has led to playing mind games instead.

"I've always been affected by first tee nerves and felt extremely scared ahead of the first shot," he said this week.

"So many people asked me how much golf was in the mind it prompted me to look at my own problems.

"I was never good enough to make the European Tour, but re-training as a hypnotherapist means I can help others overcome their mental blocks to the benefit of their game."

Vass, who has been the golf pro at Malden's World of Golf for the past five years, made the switch to full-time coaching in 2000 after an uneventful professional career.

His therapy sessions are designed to help golfers deal with the pressures of the game at amateur and professional level.

"It is not just about tee shots but any point where a golfer may be placed under stress. The winning putt, an irrational fear of bunker shots or any situation," he added.

"It is about being relaxed and being able to access that feeling when you're on the course. It is as much about stress and life management as anything."

Vass' hypno-golf sessions run at World of Golf on Thursday and Sunday this week. For details call 07748 687751.