& 2. After the event, Jack Lovett, president of the Victorian Golf Association said to Cahill, "You have joined the immortals of Victorian golf." Professional career In late 1973, Cahill turned professional. In December, he played one of his first professional tournaments at the Assistant Professional Championships at Southern. He finished in the top ten, in a tie for sixth. In May 1974, Cahill played the Rothman's $1,000 at Shepparton. Cahill shot 74 to tie for the win with Rob McNaughton. However, because Cahill was still a "probationary professional" he was not allowed to earn money. A month later he played the Yarrawonga and Border Open for the first time. Cahill "was the only player able to handle the high wind" and won by seven strokes. In late July, Cahill tied for the win at the Hanimex-Kooringal purse. However, he was still not eligible to earn prize money. On August 1, he became eligible to earn prize money. In mid-August, he played the Mobil $1,000 pro-am tournament. Cahill scored an eagle at the par-5 final hole to punctuate a five-shot win. During this era, Cahill worked as an assistant pro at Yarra Yarra Golf Club for Geoff Parslow. In 1975, legendary golfer Norman Von Nida began to serve as a mentor and supported Cahill's career. In March, based exclusively on a recommendation from von Nida, Cahill traveled to Europe to play on the European Tour. During his first three months in Europe, Cahill did not have much success; his only earnings were 120 pounds at the Madrid Open and he needed government assistance to get by. Despite these difficulties, in July, Cahill qualified for and made the cut at the 1975 Open Championship. However, in general it was a disappointing tour of Europe. Cahill made the cut in only three of eight events and finished 138th on the Order of Merit. As of September, he had returned to Australia. He had much more success in his home country. Late in the month, he played the Queensland Open. In the third round, Cahill "burst... into contention" with a two-under-par 68. He was in solo second, one back of Mike Ferguson. Cahill played poorly in the final round but still secured solo third. The following week he played the West Lakes Classic. On Sunday, meanwhile, most of the leaders played poorly and Cahill took advantage. He made three birdies and an eagle