It’s a long way from Avondale to Argentina, but for a determined Harrison Endycott, it’s a journey with a purpose.
The 21 year old, who is just three events – and three cuts made – into his rookie year on the PGA Tour of LatinoAmerica, has found his feet and is learning what is required to get to the next level very, very quickly.
Harrison added to his elocution with a tie for 12th place in the 87 Abierto OSDE del Centro at the Cordoba Golf Club in Cordoba, Argentina on Sunday. The result moved him up another two spots to 15th place on the tour’s order of merit, and well within reach of the top five.
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Although he finished seven shots back of the winner after a disappointing closing 74, Endycott is pleased with the progress he is making.
“Playing over here really is an eye opener.
“It can be really tough scoring out here some days, but I’m learning not to panic and to trust in my game,” Endycott said.
With the obvious logistical problem of distance between himself and his coaches, Mark and Ben Paterson, Endycott said learning what he needs to work on by himself has been a key to his development as a touring professional.
“Myself, Mark and Ben have been chipping away at things, but nothing big.
“My bad habits are the same so I know what I have to do to help myself play well.
“The one thing we have worked hard on is my short game and scrambling. It’s given me a great confidence boost,” he said.
Endycott hasn’t been overly phased by the language demands or the social differences of playing and travelling half-way across the planet.
“I’m slowly getting the hang of Spanish, but it’s tough,” he said.
“The cultural change is a challenge. I love it though because it’s helping me find myself. I’m way outside of my comfort zone and to get better at this game I think that’s a huge key to success.
“If I can master environments like this, I feel I can handle anything,” he smiled.
The OSDE Centro was the first of two events in Argentina and next up for Harrison is this week’s Molino Canuelas Championship in Buenos Aries. He’s sure it will be another positive step on his journey.
“I’m gaining confidence every week out here. I know I’m getting close,” Endycott smiled.