Ross edges closer to his dream

Sep 11 2009 by John Woods, Irvine Herald

IRVINE’S Ross McDonald had the thrill of a lifetime last weekend as he locked horns with Britain’s finest young golfers at the HSBC Wee Wonders Grand Final at St Andrews.

The ten-year-old Lawthorn Primary School pupil beat off competition from a record 4000 competitors to qualify for the Scotland tournament and finished 20th at his second appearance at the national finals.

And after coping well with the gale-tossed St Andrews fairways Ross, who plays at Troon Welbeck Golf Club, has already set his sights on life as a professional golfer.

“I played in the finals in 2007 and it was great to make them again,” the youngster said.

“The wind made it really difficult on the first day and that was hard but I enjoyed it although I was a bit nervous when I teed off because everyone was watching.

“I’d like to be a professional golfer one day – Phil Mickleson is my favourite player. I play other sports like swimming but golf is my favourite.”

Ross booked his spot at the home of golf with second place at the regional qualifying round at The Ladies Golf Club in Troon earlier this year.

And European Tour star Nick Dougherty, – a protege of six-time Major winner Nick Faldo – believes Ross has all the attributes to go all the way to the top.

“The standard at the final was absolutely phenomenal and the good thing is that the kids have got really great attitudes and they learn really great lessons from the tournament,” said Dougherty. “The talent on show was absolutely fantastic and there is no doubt that Ross has got fantastic potential in the sport.”

HSBC is committed to growing golf at grassroots level and in the UK it supports a number of initiatives, including the HSBC Wee Wonders tournament which is open to all young golfers aged between five and 12.

For more information visit www.hsbcweewonders.com