Tell us about the main highlight of 2006 for you:
Although I had a couple of top five finishes in a few competitions my highlight was reaching the final stage of Open Qualifying where I played with Mikko Illonen (who recently won on the European Tour). Around 250 people were spectating and I thoroughly enjoyed performing in this arena. I also learnt a lot from watching and chatting to Mikko. I’ll be looking forward to Open Qualifying again this year.

What was the most/least pleasing aspect of your game last year?
The pleasing aspect of my game last year was probably my driving which was very consistent. With hindsight my short game wasn’t good enough in 2006 but this is something I have worked hard on over the winter having just come back Florida. 

What golf equipment is in your bag? 
I play Titleist 735.cm irons with Vokey Spin Milled Wedges. I have a Taylor Made R7 Driver with a YS6 Shaft. My three wood is old Callaway Steel head and my five wood is Titliest. I have a Yes ‘Callie’ Putter.

You played football as a youngster, do you still play or attend any matches? 
I played for Bolton Wanderers as a youngster. I would still love to play but cant risk it in case of injury etc. I support Liverpool so if I get chance I go to Anfield.

What are your main goals for next season? 
In 2007 I will be focusing largely on the Europro Tour. I will aim to finish in the Top 50 of the order of merit. In 2007 one of my goals will be to win my first professional tournament. I also aim to become an overall stronger player mentally and physically.

Where would you like to be in 3 years time? 
In three years I would like to on the European Tour.

Tell us about your Share Scheme: 
My Share Scheme basically involves 100 shares that are on sale for £50 each. After three years 10% of my winnings will be split between the shareholders. It’s a good way for people to support my golf whilst having a vested interest. In addition shareholders will get priority invites to any tournaments events etc.

How important is the mental side of golf to you? 
In the last few years especially I think golfers have realised the importance of the mental side. Having studied this at University I know its importance and is an area I will be attempting to strengthen throughout the 2007 season.

Do you prefer Matchplay or Strokeplay format? 
Tough one…because we don’t play it as often I would have to say that I enjoy the challenge of Matchplay. As an amateur I often performed well in Matchplay events.

Do you have a good rapport with fellow EuroPro players? Who is your best mate? 
Yes I met some great lads in 2006 on the Europro Tour. Sean Doherty and Chris Hanson are good friends of mine. A few lads from my University will also be competing on the Europro Tour this year so I will look forward to seeing them. Simon Shepherd and David Fulcher to name a couple.

What advice would you give to a 16 year old playing off 2 handicap who wants to play golf for a living? 
Well at 16 I was off 1 so I was in a similar position. I would still recommend getting an education or some qualifications behind you. I did ‘A’ Levels then went to University. Remember at University you can still compete at a high standard of golf whilst studying for three years. In addition I was fortunate enough to get a scholarship, which helped me financially with my golf. I think golf in this country especially at University level is becoming more recognised. So my advice would be stay dedicated to your golf whilst getting an education and qualifications under your belt.

What is the best/worst part about playing golf for a living? 
Best part has to be the fact that I am doing something for a living that I absolutely love. I think also the opportunities that go alongside golf. For example I have already done a lot of traveling and seen some awesome places because of golf. Hopefully this will continue and I will see a lot more of the world. Cant think of too many downsides…I guess because its not a regular guaranteed income that can be a downside but that just encourages you to work hard and practice the results will then follow.

What is the best golf course you have ever played? 
That is tough…I think you often have better memories of courses where you have good results. So having won round this course I would say Royal Liverpool. Other top courses I would include would be Quinta do Lago South in Portugal and Victoria Hills in Florida.

Who is your golfing role model? 
I would actually say Justin Rose. After being thrown into the limelight following the 1997 British Open then having a two year slump I think he's shown great character and determination to get to where he is now.

What would be your ideal 4-Ball (past or present)? 
Tiger Woods, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson, John Cheetham

What are your main hobbies outside of golf, what music can be found on your ipod? 
I'm very sporty and like to keep active. I enjoy running, squash, badminton, football, any sport really. On my iPod you'll find a wide range of music. R&B, Dance, Pop and even ‘Oldies’. After seeing him live in concert in Las Vegas I thought Elton John was awesome. Also a big fan of Michael Jackson's music.

Do you keep statistics of each round? 
This is something I started at the end of last season and will be carrying through to the 2007 season. I don’t like to get too ‘bogged’ down with stats but I think definitely keeping a select few can help target areas of your game that need attention. On the flip side it is also good for confidence if your stats are impressive in certain areas.

Do you have a pre-shot routine? 
Yes I do. Pre-shot routine in sport was the focal point for my dissertation at University so I have done a large amount of research in this area. I incorporated this knowledge when creating my own routine. The key however is to find a routine that suits the individual player.

Sum up life on the EuroPro Tour in a couple of sentences? 
This will be my full season on the tour but having played a few events last year I would say 2007 promises to be exciting, challenging and rewarding.

You will kindly be writing a monthly column for www.huddersfieldgolf.co.uk this year, what can our visitors expect to read about throughout the year? 
Yes I'm looking forward to writing the column. Visitors can expect to read about my overall progress in terms of results as well as life on the tour. In addition as I'm PGA qualified I will be more than happy to include a few tips that readers can apply to their own game. These may include common faults that I see when playing Pro-Am's throughout the year. PGA Tips and my overall progress will also be posted on my website: www.johncheethamgolf.com 
I’ll look forward to writing the monthly column throughout what I hope will be a successful 2007.

Thanks for your time John in answering our questions, good luck for the coming season:
Many thanks, John.