Dream come true as Munro’s golf career takes off

Young Duddingston assistant PGA Professional Ross Munro has relished the opportunity to embark on his dream career as a professional golfer.

The 20-year-old lifelong golf fanatic always yearned for the opportunity to turn his hobby into a full-time occupation, and having eventually managed to do so last summer he will now prepare to tee off in a national tournament for the first time.

Edinburgh-born Munro will take part in the Powerade PGA Assistants' Championship Scottish qualifier at Auchterarder (above) on May 12.                                 

And should he make it through at the Perthshire venue, he will have the opportunity to appear in the £32,500 FootJoy supported final at Coventry Golf Club on June 11-13.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Munro enthused. "I've not played in the event before and I would like to do well and qualify, although I'll try to just take it as it comes.

"I've got an exciting summer coming up. I'll be busy on the Scottish schedule trying to do as well as I can there, and it would be nice to have the final of this to look forward to as well."

Munro's professional career began when he signed up to The PGA's degree programme which, alongside playing golf to a high level, requires students to learn about a range of aspects of the game, from coaching and sports science, to equipment and rules, through to business and marketing.

"I'd always wanted a career in golf," he explained. "Golf is a passion of mine, and something that I believe I am good at too.

"When I found out about the degree I knew it would be a good move for me. I doubt I'll be good enough as a player to go on tour, but aside from playing we learn about a range of other aspects of the sport.

"At the moment I spend around half my time at the club coaching, and the other half working in the shop. I'm honestly not sure which direction I would like my career to take at the moment, I just love being involved with the sport."

Munro does harbour one particular dream though, as he looks to develop a long-term career in golf.

"I'd love to go out and work in the Middle East one day," he admitted.

"You see places like Dubai on the TV and they look incredible. I'd love to go out there and work in that part of the world in the future, I think it would be a great experience."

Ahead of the event Luke Young, national and key account manager for Coca-Cola Enterprises, whose products include Powerade, said: “We are delighted to once again support this prestigious tournament which will culminate with a final at Coventry Golf Club in June.

“It is an event which has a long history of showcasing outstanding golf from some of the country’s best young players, and I look forward to watching what will undoubtedly be another exciting Championship this year.”

Other players competing in the Scottish regional qualifier include: Ewen MacPherson (Auchterarder), Keir McNicoll (Gullane), Ciar Porciani (Turnberry), Paul Robinson (Largs), Kirstin Scott (Gleneagles), Stewart Watters (Balbirnie Park) and Alan Welsh (Cathkin Braes).