Date: October 30, 2015
Author: Mark Hayes

McLeod takes pro plunge

Outstanding Queensland prospect Jake McLeod has turned professional.

McLeod, 21, plays for money for the first time at this week’s West Australian PGA Championship in Kalgoorlie in arguably the best form of his impressive early career.

The Royal Queensland member recently won his second Queensland Amateur Championship, becoming just the second person to do so in the past quarter-century after world No.1 Jason Day.

The former Townsville junior was also super impressive against the pros in the recent Isuzu Queensland Open, storming home with rounds of 67-68 on the tough Brookwater layout to finish as low amateur and tied for fourth overall.

The Queensland Academy of Sport Member has been a member of the state men’s team for the past three years, including the Interstate Series champion team of 2013.

Queensland and national coach Tony Meyer has been impressed with McLeod’s ongoing progress.

“Jake has shown a lot of improvement in the past few years and his results show that he’s ready to take his game to the next level,” Meyer said.

“I’m confident that if Jake continues to work hard at his game, he has the capacity to become a successful international athlete.”

McLeod is well placed to make the at the WA PGA Championship, shooting rounds of 72-71 to start his pro life in Kalgoorlie.