REDDITCH Golf Club is celebrating the success of its homegrown talent as young star James Robinson sets his sights on a career as a full-time golf professional.
Now 19, the Callow Hill resident has been a member of Redditch Golf Club since he was ten years old.
During that time his golf has flourished, reflected in this year’s results which mean he is now playing off a handicap of +2.1.
The 2016 campaign has proved to be his best year ever with three wins and a host of top ten and top 25 finishes.
He won the Worcestershire County Matchplay, was a Worcestershire Open Golf medallist and won the Secretaries’ Bowl for the best 72-hole combined score.
In addition, he finished in the top ten in the North England Youths (2nd), Worcestershire Open (2nd), Faldo Series Wales Championship (3rd), Worcestershire County Championship (4th), Bridgestone Challenger Tour Qualifier (4th) and the Brabazon Trophy Final (10th).
He is now a world ranked amateur, rated 2,787th, has a European Golf ranking of 923rd and is 641st in the Scratch Players World Rankings.
Robinson said: “After a very positive season this year, achieving my goals of becoming a world ranked amateur and winning events, my aspirations of becoming a professional tour player have taken a big step forward.
“My success this year has given me masses of confidence to know what my game can achieve in the best amateur events across the world and against world-class amateurs who will be the new face of the professional game.”
His plans for 2017 are to compete in all the top amateur ranking events such as the Lytham Trophy, British Amateur, St Andrew’s Links Trophy and the Brabazon Trophy (he has already qualified for it with a tenth placed finish) at the London Club.
He added: “My success in 2016 will allow me to play in more prestigious events, which will give me great experience of what I can expect from the professional game.
“As well as playing across Europe in amateur events, I will also play in The Open qualifying and several Challenge Tour qualifiers to test my ability at professional level and continue to make the improvements in my game to help me succeed as a professional.
“The 2016 season has shown me what I can achieve with hard work and dedication. This drives my desire to be successful at the highest level.
“However, I couldn’t have accomplished anything without the support network I have around me. From the members of Redditch Golf Club to my parents and the sacrifices they make, the support network gives me the chance to play.”
Robinson is now seeking major commercial support and is canvassing bluechip companies for a sponsorship deal and equipment supply.
He said: “I know going forward support will be needed at an even greater extent and, to become the very best I can be, that support will need to be the very best.
“I have a UK top 25 coach in Gary Alliss giving me elite coaching, superb practice and course facilities at Redditch GC and local gym membership, alongside a driving desire and focus for what I want to achieve.”
