Golf: The British and Irish charges hoping to make their mark in 2017
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Golf may allow one of the longest careers in any sporting profession, but new stars arrive each and every year and we’ve taken a look at a few names who could hit the big time in 2017.
Hundreds if not thousands of young golfers dream of joining – and beating – the Rory McIlroys and Jordan Spieths of the world, but so few reach such heights.
We’ve picked out a quartet who might just be able to break into that established ring.
Looking to follow in the footsteps of three-time European Tour winner Matthew Fitzpatrick, could we see similar success in 2017 for some new British and Irish stars?
Ashley Chesters
A few of you might recall Chesters from his heroics as an amateur at The Open in 2015, when he finished a stunning 12th on the Old Course at St Andrews after a stern challenge to the top-five.
Now with a European Tour Card under his belt, the 27-year-old looks set to thrive after a year working on his game on the Challenge Tour.
The only two-time European Amateur Champion in history, former Ladbrokes #MasterAtWork winner posted a confident card to finish 28th in the Alfred Dunhill Championship on his first outing this season, hinting at plenty of good times to come.
Paul Dunne
Like Chesters, Irishman Dunne really came to the fore during that memorable weekend at The Open, as the then-amateur shared the lead ahead of the final day.
A European Tour Card came calling that following November, with Dunne producing a number of top-20 results throughout the 2016 season.
The 24-year-old came out flying out of the blocks this time around however, carding a 66 in the opening round at the Alfred Dunhill Championships. Continue producing that form and we’ll hear a lot more of the County Wicklow native next year.
Bradley Neil
Scotsman Bradley Neil has a plenty to shout about on his C.V, including the Scottish Boys Championship and the 2014 Amateur Championship.
Raring to go with his first foray on the European Tour, 20-year-old found it tough going at times on the Challenge Tour last year.
But with that experience to call upon, Neil could be set to showcase his potential to the maximum in 2017.
Max Orrin
Rounding out our quartet is Max Orrin, who, unlike the other three, is yet to feature in a Major, but can call upon two Challenge Tour victories.
The 22-year-old from Kent enjoyed a solid 2016, picking up nine top-20 finishes including four top-six results.
Orrin boasts solid European Tour experience, and a big result can’t be too far away.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
