Turning Pro: Former Baylor School and University of Georgia golf standout Harris English announced Tuesday that he is turning pro and plans to play in the Chattanooga Children's Hospital Golf Classic, Oct. 6-9 at Black Creek.
photo by Univ. of Georgia Sports Information
Fresh from winning two singles matches for the United States in the Walker Cup this past weekend in Aberdeen, Scotland, Harris English announced that he turning pro and will play in the Children’s Hospital Golf Classic at Black Creek, Oct. 6-9.
“Even though we (United States) did not win as a team, it was a great experience for me to play in the Walker Cup,” English said.
“To win a singles match on 9/11 was pretty special and everyone wore black pins. Former President George W. Bush sent us a note of encouragement.”
English’s announcement of turning pro came during Tuesday’s Children’s Hospital Golf Classic media day at Black Creek Golf Course.
“I have had a great amateur career and now it’s time to see where my game takes me on the pro tour,” said English.
The former Baylor School and University of Georgia standout will play Nationwide Tour events for the next two weeks, in California and Texas prior to the Chattanooga Children’s Hospital Classic.
“My goal is to play the final five tournaments this fall and hopefully finish in the top 60 and qualify for the Nationwide Championship in late October,” he stated.
The Nationwide Tour Championship is in Charleston, S.C., Oct. 24-30 at the Daniel Island Club-Ralston Creek Course.
Turning Pro: “I am sure it will be different being a pro compared to playing as an amateur since I will be traveling on my own, trying to earn a pay check, getting a caddy and all the other things that are part of life as a pro golfer,” said English who led Baylor to four state team titles (2004-07) and was state individual runner-up in 2006.
English said he use Sea Island, S.C. as his home since his agency, Crown Sports, is based there as well as Mike Taylor his swing coach.
Black Creek: English is very familiar with the course since he played it for four years while at Baylor. Growing up in Thomason, Ga., English and his mother, Martha, lived in a home in Cummings Cove (where Black Creek Golf Course is located) while he was a student at Baylor and his dad, Ben, would come up on weekends.
Walker Cup: The Walker Cup was created by George Herbert Walker, president of the USGA in 1920 and the great-grandfather of President George W. Bush … the first Walker Cup was played in 1922.
Harris English - Quick Facts
Age: 22 … member of 2011 U.S. Walker Cup team … won both his singles matches … Great Britain and Ireland defeated the U.S. 14-12 … English won Nationwide tour event in Columbus, Ohio in July … first team All-American at Georgia as a junior … reached round of 16 in the 2010 U.S. Amateur … third youngest player to win the Georgia Amateur Championship (2007) … won 2004 Southern Junior … led Baylor to four state titles, 2004-07 … individual state runner-up in 2006.
contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net