Ross is Amateur Golfer of the Year

Talented 23-year-old beat off all competition.

The Scottish Golf Union have announced James Ross as the 2013 Scottish Amateur Golfer of the Year after the Royal Burgess’ man finished as the leading Scot on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).

The award has been based on the WAGR since 2006 and reflects the performance of leading Scottish amateurs in all domestic and international events.

Thanks to a string of fine displays in leading British and European events throughout the season, US-based Ross edged out several other top contenders including SGU Men’s Order of Merit champion Jack McDonald to take the title.

The 23-year-old flourished at European level and was joint-winner of the individual stroke play at the European Amateur Team Championship en route to Scotland’s runner-up finish.

Ross joined an elite group by winning the Scottish Amateur Golfer of the Year with the roll of honour boasting names such as Andrew Coltart, Dean Robertson, Steven O’Hara, Richie Ramsay and last year’s winner McDonald.

The Lothians man shone at the Lytham Trophy earlier this year and narrowly missed out on a top-20 place before finishing third at the Welsh Stroke Play, ninth at the Carrick Neill Stroke Play and 12th at the St Andrews Links Trophy.

Ross, who is now in his final year at the University of Houston, said: “To win this award is a great accolade and definitely caps off my year.

“I had a good year, particularly the most competitive summer I’ve had. I played well in big European events, like the European Individual, and jumped up the rankings on the back of that.

“Coming close in Wales kind of set me up for the year. I had the chance to win there, but ended up third to Rhys Pugh and Garrick Porteous, who both went on to play in the Walker Cup.

“I was also very proud to play for Scotland, it was a big achievement to do that, as I’ve always wanted to play for my country.

“It was fairly close on the WAGR, we’ve all been ahead at some point. Graeme (Robertson) had a good mid-summer and was in contention for the Walker Cup, as was Grant (Forrest), who also played in the Open.

“Jack (McDonald) has done very well domestically, with back-to-back wins to end the season. Bradley (Neil) also won the Scottish Boys. Everyone has had their highlights; everyone has done well in patches.”

Ross, who also represented Scotland at the Home Internationals at Ganton but found his domestic appearances restricted due to his US schedule, believes the future of Scottish amateur golf is strong with a clutch of young players developing.

He said: “I think the future is looking pretty bright, we've got a good group of young guys coming through and there was a good buzz about the team this summer, a real competitive spirit.

“Personally, it’s been exciting. I’ve developed the last four years over in college. A lot of guys go over there and kind of plateau, or almost get worse, but I’ve definitely improved.

“I’ll work with my swing coach, Kevin Kirk, again over the winter and look to hit the ground running in 2014.”

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