Lanarkshire golfer Craig is targetting Europe’s top table
The coach of top Scottish amateur Craig Ross has told Scottish Club Golfer that the 23-year-old has what it takes to make it on the European Tour after his impressive victory at the South African Amateur Championship.
David Orr, who is both Ross’ coach and the head professional at Eastwood Golf Club, reckons his pupil has already shown he has what it takes to make it in the professional game and his success in South Africa only backs up that claim.
“Craig has plans to turn professional at the end of this year and I think, after another competitive season, he will definitely be ready,” said Orr. “He won in South Africa, which is a big amateur event, but he has also already won a professional event.
“To win in the amateur game is very good, but to win in the professional game shows a little bit more and not a lot of amateurs could do that. For me, that says a lot and shows that he is ready to move further through the tiers as well.”
Ross’ maiden professional win came on the EuroPro Tour’s Glenfarclas Open at Mar Hall in 2014 and Orr believes he also has the ‘modern professional game’ to compete at that level.
“He hits the ball long and he hits the ball high, so he has the game to travel around the world effectively to play different types of golf. If things go to plan, I definitely think his game is equipped for the European Tour arena, it’s just about making sure he is, too.”
Ross, who is based in Lanarkshire, became the fourth Scot to secure the South African Amateur title after defeating promising home player Dylan Naidoo in a high quality, low scoring 36-hole final.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Orr says Ross is aiming to combine a full competitive amateur season with some potential Challenge Tour invites. His main aim still remains the same as it was at the start of the year, though. Ross is aiming to get into the top-50 of the World Amateur Golf Rankings, and currently sits in 58th place, just eight spots outside of his target at the time of going to print.
“That was the main goal for this year. Craig’s going to try and drop in a couple of professional events this year and we are going to target more high-ranking tournaments to boost his chances.
“He’s a great individual to work with. As much as Craig is a lovely individual and a nice guy, he’s very determined to achieve as much as he possibly can out on the golf course. I think his win is just rewards for all the hard work and effort he puts in and I really do think all of this is just the beginning for him.”
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