mrbojumbles

Young mavericks

Post by: Reece Lightning

// February 15th, 2010 // Profile

From the outside looking in, you could be forgiven for assuming the life of a pro golfer is one of luxury, jet-setting from one exotic to the next, endless cocktails and mammoth paychecks. The reality is, this is far from the truth. For hundreds of talented pros living out of a suitcase on the move every week, just trying to make the cut to put food on the table is equal to the pressure the big boys face in the majors.

Today I just wanted to express my congratulations to Queenslander Andrew Dodt who claimed his first professional victory over the weekend, with a two shot victory over England’s Richard Finch at the Avantha Masters in Delhi, India. No, it wasn’t one of the premier events on tour – the watered down field reflected this. But the fact of the matter is, Andrew Dodt is now a European Tour champion, and his bank account looks €250,000 healthier.

Those who watched the New Zealand Open in Queenstown three weeks ago, will remember Andrew Dodt’s birdie putt on the last to secure second place alone. Once again the New Zealand Open has proven to be a good springboard into a purple patch. The 24-year-old’s been plying his trade on the Asian tour over the last year, and has taken the opportunity of competing in co-sanctioned European Tour event with both hands. Being a European Tour champion will now open a number of doors over the next couple of seasons for the mercurial Hunter Mahan lookalike – just look a the starts our very own Mark Brown got from his victory at the Johnnie Walker in 2008, not to mention Danny Lee.

Big deal you say? Another Aussie won another tourney, they’re heaps better than us and have about 10 players inside the top 100 in the world rankings – What’s my point then…

Like many pro golfers looking for their first big break, Dodt, no doubt has experienced many ups and downs before yesterdays breakthrough maiden pro victory. And as far as I know, he doesn’t have a big entourage convoluting the simplicities of the game; surely this is something some of old the stalwarts and journeymen can draw inspiration from.

Hit ball, find ball, hit it again – The simple philosophy of the young bravados on tour. Yes, over time they’ll learn to be more consistent week-in week-out by learning to keep their ego’s in check at the appropriate times, but gee whiz, the Sky Sport highlight reels would be nothing without these fearless lone rangers chasing glory and their Hail Mary approach to the game.

I think our young golfers (in particular Master Lee) shouldn’t be in hurry to grow up and be experienced. They should just play the game the way they did when they played after school – most likely going on birdie rampages destroying every opponent in their paths with complete disregard to the conservative route. Don’t change a winning formula and make hay while the sun shines, because form deserts even the very best for years at time – just ask David Duval. Congratulations Andrew Dodt.