McGowan eyes Volvo Masters prize

10:30am Monday 13th October 2008

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Cheam’s Ross McGowan reckons winning a slot at October’s Volvo Masters would top a perfect debut year - but would be nothing compared to next season’s Race for Dubai.

The 26-year-old has claimed six top ten finishes on the European Tour this year to comfortably retain his card and net a cool 417,000 Euros which sees him currently 68th in the Order of Merit.

It is the Banstead Downs Golf Club star’s first season on the full Tour, having finished second on the Challenger circuit in 2007, and still has a real chance of making the top-60 to reach the end of season contest in Valderrama, Spain.

Coach Steve Blacklee has tipped the rising star to claim his first European Tour title within the next 12 months and McGowan is determined it won’t be his last.

“Like to have done a bit more. I’ve been playing well, but haven’t really finished a couple of tournaments the way I wanted to. But I can’t complain, a lot of players lost their card in the first year,” he said.

“I think I can convert a few top ten finishes into a win. Hopefully, I’ll got more than one. I feel like I should do, it is just a case of going out and doing it.

“Qualifying for Valderrama would top things off. Had you said at the beginning of the year I’d be top 60 in the Order of Merit and qualify for the tour championship. I’d have taken that.

“Anything could happen. There is only 60 in the field and fewer people to beat. If I can get there I have a chance.”

The European Order of Merit will be replaced with the much-publicised Race to Dubai next year, which will eventually see the tour’s top-60 stars battle it out for a £2 million winner’s cheque at the Dubai World Championships, in November 2009.

A further £5.6 million pot will be shared between the top-15 players in the season-ending standings following the contest, with £1.1million going to the eventual table-topper.

McGowan had been tempted by a switch to the US Tour - after debuting at the US Open this year - but reckons he has the game and a year’s experience to deal with a shot at one of the most lucrative prizes in the sport.

“It has been a year of learning. The US Open was an amazing experience. I’ve never heard so much noise on a golf course - even from other greens - so you’ve got learn to deal with that quickly," he said.

“It is the first time I’ve played infront of such large crowds. It is exciting playing in front of so many people, but you can’t expect 30,000 people to be quite for your shots.

“Had I won a tournament this year I think I would probably have gone of to the US. Life on the tour there is easier.

“I’d love to say I can finish in the top-25 or top 20 in the order of merit next year, but top 50 should be fairly comfortable and then we’ll see what happens.”