Josh Greer knew his well was almost dry, but he went back one last time.
And, at the very last minute, the young West Australian hit Junior Presidents Cup pay dirt.
In fact, he’s one of two Perth products, alongside Karl Vilips, who will represent not only Australia, but the entire “International” zone as part of the Junior Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne in December.
Florida-based Vilips, 18, has been a fixture in the top three of the AJGA boys’ rankings this year and always looked a safe bet to qualify.
As it turns out, a third place at the recent Junior Players Championship rubber-stamped him as the International team’s top qualifier.
But it wasn’t as predictable for Scottish-born Greer, who’s back in Perth this week after a lengthy and, as it turns out, productive international golfing odyssey.
The 18-year-old has been touring for almost three straight months and in that time has played in nine tournaments on three continents.
But it wasn’t until the last one that his Junior Presidents Cup papers were stamped with the 12th and final berth on the team.
“I knew it was close,” said Greer, who reached the Round of 16 at both the US Boys’ Amateur and The Amateur Championship in England, split by a ninth place at the Scottish Amateur.
“That put me inside (the team), but it wasn’t until after the Players that I knew I’d made it.
“I wasn’t going to play the British, but as it turns out that’s what got me in.”
Greer, a member at Joondalup, is no stranger to Royal Melbourne having finished 16th at the Australian Master of the Amateurs on the West Course earlier this year.
But he’s the first to admit that playing in front of Tiger Woods and company on the Composite Course days before the Presidents Cup is played will be a whole new ballgame.
“I’ve just been thinking about what it’s going to be like playing in front of Tiger,” Greer said.
“I can’t wait to meet Tiger and all the pros there … it’s going to be superb.
“I’ve represented Australia before, but this is another big step on the international stage … it’s awesome and I can’t wait.”
The two-day tournament will be played at Royal Melbourne on 8-9 December. The International team will be captained by Australian legend Stuart Appleby, while the Americans will have Justin Leonard at the helm.