Golf wizard aiming high

The golf club captain, who took up golf at the age of six, plays off a -2.2 handicap and already has an impressive record. Last year he won the Gloucester Men’s County Championship and was the  West Midland Open Amateur Champion. He has also represented South West of England’s 10 man team and is currently top of the British Universities and Colleges Sport Order of Merit.

This year Laurie has qualified for the UK British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) individual finals event taking place this April. The competition will see the best student golfers in the UK compete in a four round stroke play event at Crail in Scotland.

Laurie commented “It is going to be a tough competition. The Scotland boys are all very strong, but I am looking to win. I’m looking forward to playing on a top course against some of the best players in the country.”

Laurie is also heading to St Andrews this April in a competition that sees the winner gain a place in the European Student Team in a student’s version of the Ryder Cup in the United States.

Despite a busy schedule Laurie is still finding time to run for Athletic Union president, he commented “I’m looking forward to the campaign. I have been talking to a lot of clubs and getting feedback on what they would like to see change next year. It’s tough but everyone has been very supportive. The University has given me so much and it would be fantastic to have the opportunity to give something back. I really want to increase participation in sport at all levels so that all students can benefit.”

The University of Exeter Student Golf Club is one of the most successful of all the Athletic Union Clubs. The first team is currently first in the BUCS Premier South league table and needs just one point from its remaining two matches to seal its position.

Laurie said “We are in a very strong position in the BUCS league. We are very lucky this year to be fielding the strongest team in the three years that I have been with the club. Three players play off plus figures, with another three playing of scratch so it’s a very talented side.”

Laurie is part of the University’s incredibly successful Sports Scholarship Scheme and receives funding from the R and A, golf’s governing body. Laurie said “The benefits of the Sports Scholarship Scheme are huge. We receive so much coaching support and the bursary helps to fund events. The University of Exeter has an incredible set up for Golf and has one of the best Golf programmes in the UK. Craig Townsend is a brilliant manager and I would not have achieved all I have without the programme’s help.”