Date: December 28, 2006
Author: Sportal

Martin ready for 2007

Sportal Andrew Martin is ready to embrace a new year of challenges after successfully completing his debut year as a professional golfer. Although Martin finished 2006 on a disappointing note when he missed out on qualifying for next year&aposs PGA Australasian Tour, the 22 year-old still took plenty of positives away from his first year competing in the major Australian tournaments. “The high was winning the South Australian Invitational at Royal Adelaide in June,” Martin told The Bendigo Advertiser. “It was the same course I had won the Australian Amateur Matchplay title in 2004, so to go back and win again was really exciting.” Martin managed a respectable 62nd place on the PGA Tour Order of Merit after contesting in excess of 30 tournaments throughout the year including the Australian Open where he finished one stroke ahead of Greg Norman. Competing against the likes of Robert Allenby, Peter Lonard and Nick O&aposHern provided Martin with the experience he believes can improve his game. “They keep the ball in play so well, are always a chance for a birdie or par, and don&apost show too much emotion,” Martin said. “Watching them it&aposs hard to tell whether they are four shots under, or four shots over. “They may have played a poor shot, but don&apost let it worry them and work on the next shot. I have become a lot better at focusing on the next shot and the next hole, but it&aposs an area I have to keep working at.” “Cutting the margin between a great round and a not so great round is the goal for next year.” After a short break to re-charge his batteries Martin, together with coach Gareth Jones has set his sights on a big 2007. “To not qualify for the Australasian Tour was disappointing, but it&aposs been a great experience and I&aposm looking forward to the challenges of next year,” Martin said.