Potter breaks into top 20 at Formby

Having qualified for the event in May, Laurie joined 144 of Europe’s top amateurs as they travelled to Formby Golf Club, Liverpool for the event from 25-29 June. Competitors from as far afield as Africa and Australia also made the journey to the tournament which was blighted by heavy winds and rainy conditions.

The fourth year Sports and Exercise Science student is no stranger to Formby which played host to the University of Exeter golf club’s euphoric victory in the final of the British Universities and Colleges Sport National Championship (BUCS) in May. A strong final round of 70 saw Potter finish the week nine under the course standard scratch.

He commented: “The weather conditions made playing conditions very tough and with the course set up in a brutal fashion with thick rough and extremely fast greens it was going to be a hard battle. I stuck to my game plan and it seemed to work. The week went well for me and my prior knowledge meant I performed well and managed to finish in 19th place. I think it's fair to say Formby Golf Club has definitely been pretty good to me over the last two months”.

The event was won by England International Jordan Smith who carded four very impressive rounds to win the ‘Brabazon Trophy’ by a staggering four shots from Ireland’s Brian Casey.

Laurie is now looking ahead to July where he will be competing in a number of events on the national circuit. University of Exeter Performance Manager Craig Townsend explained how the nationals would offer invaluable experience to bring back to the University squad.

He said: “Laurie is an exceptional player and results like this prove that he is able to compete amongst some of the best players in Europe. Over the past three years at University he has gone from strength to strength and I have no doubt that in September he will return stronger than ever.

“The opportunity to compete on a national level and play in a high pressure environment against top level opponents is the best way to improve, learn and develop.”

The University of Exeter Golf Club enjoyed a clean sweep in BUCS this year finishing top of the Premier South League table and winning gold in the National Championships, putting the club at the top of the National Golf Rankings.

Craig continued: “The guys performed exceptionally well this year and it will be a tough act to follow, but with the quality of the players we have coming through the club at the moment I have no doubt that next year we will be just as strong. We will be looking to retain our titles and continue to be the team to beat in University Golf.