Date: October 07, 2015
Author: C.Puccini, Golf SA

Murdaca turns Pro – Congratulations Antonio!

Antonio Murdaca South Australia’s highest world ranked Amateur Golfer has turned professional.

With a stellar Amateur career behind him, Murdaca’s first event as a professional will be the PGA Tour of Australasia’s Fiji International next week. Murdaca has played over a dozen professional events as an Amateur and it was only a matter of time before he took the big step to pro ranks.

Murdaca is the youngest to win the Australian Boy's Amateur at 14 in 2010, repeating a historic win in 2013.

Antonio has performed exceptionally well as an Amateur and represented his Club, State and Nation with class. We all wish Antonio the best of luck as his golfing journey continues.

“I first met Antonio at The Grange Golf Club as a nine year old when his handicap was 24.  It has been a privilege to watch his development from then, through the time he first represented South Australia as a junior as a 13 year old and then as a senior player in latter times.  His work ethic is an example to all.  I wish him well in his future career and believe that he has the ability to step up to the professional level.” Tony Bourne – Chair Golf, SA

 “Congratulations Antonio! You have been a tremendous role model in the High Performance Program with your dedication to training and attention to detail.  And you have been a great ambassador for the game of golf and for Golf SA. We wish you the very best in your professional career.” Chris Luz-Raymond – CEO, Golf SA

“We are extremely proud of what Antonio has achieved throughout his amateur career, including our youngest ever club champion at just 13 years of age in 2008. Antonio has been a wonderful ambassador for The Grange Golf Club and we wish him every success as he embarks on his Professional career. I am certain all Grange members will keenly follow his progress and we all look forward to seeing Antonio back home at Grange from time to time.” Barry Linke – General Manager, The Grange Golf Club

"It's been a privilege to be Antonio's coach for the last 8 years and watch him develop from a 12 year old prodigy into a professional athlete. I'm sure with his tremendous work ethic and the support team that he has in place he will turn a fantastic amateur career into a very successful professional one. I wish him every success and look forward to continuing to help him on his journey." Gareth Jones – Current Coach

“Congratulations from everyone at McCormacks Golf Club.  We have all watched his career as an amateur and wish Antonio all the best in the future. Antonio came to McCormack’s Golf at about 8 years of age and participated in group clinics and then competitions. He was involved in SAPSASA at a very early age, even when he was ineligible to win being under 10. Even then he showed he was capable of playing 18 holes and was a real talent. He was always pretty determined and the dedication, skill and passion he showed, you could see he was heading to something a little bit special. He has always had a dream about what he wanted to do and with the determination the young man has, the world is his oyster”. Nick McCormack – First Junior Coach

PROFILE:

DOB: 3 July 1995 (20 years old)
Home Club: The Grange Golf Club
Coach: Gareth Jones
Men’s GA Handicap: +3.4
World Amateur Golf Ranking: 62

International / National Amateur Career Highlights:
2015 US Masters – Score 78, 73 (+7) MC (pro event)
2014 Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion
2014 Emirates Australian Open tied 46 (pro event)
2013 & 2010 Australian Junior Champion
2013 Emirates Australian Open 45 place (pro event)
2012 Toyota World Junior Team Championship – Team Champions
2012 Greg Norman Junior – Champion

State Highlights
2015 Golf SA Amateur Classic Champion
6 x Men’s State Team representative 2010-2016
4 x winner SA Junior Vardon Trophy 2010-2013
3 x winner SA Junior Masters 2010, 12’, 13’|
2 x winner SA Junior Amateur Championship 2009 & 13’

Club Highlights
4 x Club Champion
2 x Junior Club Champion