Native Americans back Gunn

Four-time Royal Dornoch club champion thrilled by unique support from unlikely source

Scottish pro Jimmy Gunn is beginning to make waves Stateside as he guaranteed himself a level of exemption on the Web.com tour, six years after The Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort and Circling Raven Golf Club took a leap of faith in offering him sponsorship to play on Arizona’s Gateway Tour.

The 33-year-old finished in a three-way tie for sixth position at the qualifying event, meaning he will get to play in a number of events on the PGA Tour’s second tier.

Gunn worked as a caddie at Royal Dornoch, where he also won the club championship four times, before turning professional at the age of 27 and moving to the USA to play on the mini-tours.

Now, he is set to mix it with some of the best up and coming players in the world as he looks to gain his full Web.com tour card. Something he realises would not have been possible without the support.

“There is no question. I wouldn’t have this opportunity without the support from the Coeur d’Alene Casino, Circling Raven and then Coeur d’Alene tribe,” said Gunn. “It’s been a long time coming, but that support has gotten me here and I intend to take advantage. I feel like I can play with anyone, with the very best in the game.”

“I feel very, very blessed and, of course, I’m forever grateful for their support.”

RELATIONSHIP

Gunn first visited Circling Raven in 2005 as one of a team of 12 Scots that represented Royal Dornoch in a Ryder Cup style competition. The competition ended, but the relationship between the two clubs, and Gunn himself, is still alive and kicking according to both sides.

“The Royal Dornoch and Circling Raven event was unique,” said Dave Matheson, the Coeur d’Alene Casino chief executive officer.

“We wanted to share our course with players from Royal Dornoch, which is one of the greatest courses in the world. It’s a further reward to see the friendships that have grown, and to see the opportunities now coming for Jimmy.”

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