After graduating from Johnson & Wales University this spring, JJ Harris of Bath contemplated his golfing future.

The 21-year Bath Country Club member and longtime standout on the Maine amateur stage, had always flirted with the idea of turning professional.

But, on the other hand, he enjoyed his amateur status and this past week posted another glowing showing in the 94th Maine Amateur Championship, held at the Augusta Country Club.

Harris finished third, closing the tournament with a 69 and a threeday total of 212.

Heck, the last two years, Harris had finished in the runner-up position at the Amateur, played at Bethel last year and Portland CC two summers ago.

He’s been playing golf for over a decade — his family owns or operates numerous golfing venues in Maine — and his list of accomplishments are numerous, most notably back-to-back runner-ups in the Maine Amateur, the Paul Bunyon championship last year (in a tie with Casey Catell of Orono), and a Nike Challenge Cup win.

At Johnson & Wales in North Miami, Harris studied Sports Entertainment/ Event Management with a minor in golf management.

“But, I want to play professionally and I turned pro this Friday … it was my first event.”

In the first of five Exotics Pro-Am series events, held this time at the Bath CC, Harris shot a 68 to finish second behind Shawn Warren (64) and earned $750 for his efforts. “Not bad for my pro debut!

“You can, basically, just sign up as a professional, but I’m also doing the PGA work to become a Class A professional. They teach you marketing and they teach you about money.

“So, I had to pass my PAT (Player’s Ability Test) at Val Halla. So now I can study my books and it’ll take three to five years. But, I do want to pursue being a professional golfer.

“And, there will be some high expectations.”

There are plans to compete in the State of Maine at Sugarloaf this week with some stops along the Eastern Seaboard.

And, JJ’s also looking into qualifying for the Deutsche Bank Championship in Norton, Mass., to be held Labor Day Weekend.

Fellow golfer Ryan Gay also turned pro last week after finishing fourth in the Amateur. He has won three Amateur titles.

“It’s possible, we both have the games to do it … we’re both at that level, pretty much.

“But, I have to practice every day. I do a lot of short game work right here (at the Bath CC). If I’m hitting balls, sometimes I’ll pop into Falmouth, or I’ll go to Freeport.”

Like every golfer, JJ has his strengths and weaknesses.

“Right now, I’m driving the ball well off the tee. My putting’s coming around, which I’m happy about because I was in a little slump. You can always improve your short game because that will be something you can always work on. So, I’m pretty good tee to green … I just have to make the putts.”

Once summer’s over he plans to head south on a putting line to the Orlando, Fla., area and compete in some local tours.

Of course, there’s always money issues, expenses and sponsors to seek out.

“That’s something my grandfather (Dick, a legendary basketball coach and head of Harris Golf) and I are working on. I’m trying to line up some money … hopefully Harris Golf can help me out!

“I have to figure out how to get some money and support myself so that I don’t have to have a job down there … I can just play, play, play.”

He has received much instruction, mentoring and guidance along the way and is willing to listen.

“My coach in college, AJ Broderick, he graduated four or five years ago, and did the same route. And he gave all the seniors his pamphlet on how he set up all of his proposals. So, that should help.”

He’s 21 and has his whole life ahead of him. Following a dream.

“I’m loving it right now … happy to leave the amateur world and start playing for a living, or try to start playing for a living.”

There is no timetable, no boundaries, or great expectations — yet.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve done that, but I think I could do very well in the New England swing. If I could start off and get a couple (of tournaments) under my belt, and see how I feel.

“Because it’s a completely different game when you have money on the line. It’s a different level, so I’ve got to see how I’ll handle it. I’m sure I’ll do well, but it’s tough to see where I’ll be in the future.”

He also knows that the on-course camaraderie, or lack thereof, is quite different when the stakes are higher. Not much back-slapping and “great shot!” in the pro ranks.

“I’ve already gotten into that mentality. But, I’ll still say ‘good shot’ every now and then if it deserves a ‘good shot.’

“Now, it’s a matter of if I want it, which I do. And, if I’m going to put in the effort to do it. That’s all it really is … it’s in my hands. I’ve got to want it and I’ve got to prove to myself that I can go out and do it. Practice every day and make it my life.

“Jeff (father) and I talked about whether or not to stay amateur for the summer and be like a Francis Ouimet (amateur golfer who won the 1913 U.S. Open) type of guy. You know, still try to win a bunch of stuff as an amateur.

“And, I loved that idea and the more and more I thought about it I almost went that route. But, I changed at the last second to turn pro. I’m excited.”