Rising Through the Ranks

Every improving golfer goes through phases of stepping up a level, and for me, those have come thick and fast recently, with my move to Europe, my success on the Challenge Tour last year, and now a successful first full season on the European Tour with a maiden victory and Rookie of the Year honours.

But I’ve relished every step up in my career as this is what I’ve always wanted to do, and I’ve always had belief in myself that I could do it. Here, I take a look at some of the things that have helped me, and could also help you the next time you find yourself moving up a level.

The Biggest Step up

Everybody out here says it and I’m no different - the biggest transition in golf is the one from the amateur circuit to the professional tours. There’s a big difference on many levels, but primarily, you’re playing a lot more events, and the fields are so deep. The guys out here are so good now. Whenever I’ve got to the next level I’ve always found there were guys who were better, and rather than being daunted by that, I’ve used it as a source of inspiration to push myself harder to get to the same level.

Timing is Everything

This may sound strange, but I think timing can play a big part. There are guys playing the mini tours, or even the level below that, who are really good and should be out here. Timing can have quite a lot to do with that.

For example, Q School is a long process and anything can happen there. One shot can be crucial - the difference between getting your card and just missing out when really your game is good enough. So I’m grateful to be out here and am constantly trying to take advantage of my opportunities.

Believe in Yourself

Having said that, I’ve always thought that I could be out here playing with the best. You’ve got to have confidence, and sometimes be borderline cocky. You’ve got to have that belief in yourself that you can compete with the best, and I have that.

My advice to you would be to build on past experiences every time you move up a level. Any time you can do that, you’ll be just fine. I didn’t have many victories as a junior, but what I did have was that crucial self-belief.

Be Comfortable in Your Surroundings

Winning twice fairly early on in 2013 on the Challenge Tour helped me settle quickly, so when I got myself in contention for a third title in the Scottish Hydro Challenge, knowing another victory would gain me instant promotion, I still felt comfortable the whole time. Yes, I had a little slip-up towards the end, bogeying three of my last seven holes, but I did birdie the final two to win by three. I have no doubt the Challenge Tour was excellent preparation for the main tour - getting out there and experiencing different conditions, all the travel and so on.

It’s crazy how closely those Challenge Tour events replicate what it’s like on the European Tour, so when I did move up, I was ready for it. I was playing well and felt good, and you’ve just got to take all those positives to the course you’re playing, whatever the level.