JAMES WHITE COULD BE PRO BY NEXT YEAR'S DUNHILL LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP

By BILL SHAW
 A 24 year old, Fife-based golfer is hoping to make the move into the professional ranks following an appearance at this year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
James White from Buckhaven had initially planned to caddy at this year’s tournament but was instead offered a playing place alongside English professional Steve Webster. They finished the event today with a team score of 16-under-par, but failed to make the cut by five shots. 

“We made the score respectable today after dropping eight shots. I got off to a good start today, was three-under after five so that got us off and rolling and then Steve made a few birdies after that,” said James. 
“I played well today but Steve played really well throughout. He hardly made a bogey in three rounds so it was pretty tough to make any contribution.”

Prior to his call-up, James was going to caddy for Aberdeen Asset Management supremo Martin Gilbert. “When I got the call I was delighted but I had to tell Martin that I needed to get another caddy for him. He was fine with that,” said James.

James, who is hoping to turn pro next year, is a member of the Scottish Golf Union elite squad where he was part of a significant win last summer.
“We won the Home Internationals this year at Glasgow Gailes. It was the first time since 2008 that Scotland won and I had a great week. I was unbeaten with five points out of six and two halved matches.”

He says his inclusion in this year’s tournament has been hugely inspiring and hopes it will help set him up for the move to professional status. 
“I usually watch this event on the TV so to be here is fantastic. It’s a great experience playing with top pro’s, to compare your game to theirs and to see just how good you need to be to make it. It just makes you appreciate how good these guys really are. It was a real eye opener.”

A ticket price of £15 (concessionary £10) will be charged for the final day’s play of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship over the Old Course on Sunday, October 7.  
Entry for under 16s and students is free. Tickets are available through the ticket hotline on 0870 010 9021 or at the entrance gates. 

 

 

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