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A nine-strong rookie squad will benefit from Golf Australia support on the world’s professional tours this year.
Golf Australia high performance director Brad James today announced the 2016 squad, with several new additions after a string of top amateurs turned professional in the past few months.
Of last year’s six, only Queenslander Cameron Smith is not back in the squad, having effectively “graduated” on to the US PGA Tour.
James said Smith’s progression was the perfect example of how the squad hopes to work.
“Cam has advanced into a great position on one of the world’s best tours – we are thrilled that we were able to help him along that path and we hope a couple more of this year’s crop make the same steps in 2016,” James said.
Minjee Lee and Su Oh retain their positions, as do Oliver Goss, Todd Sinnott and Australian PGA champion Nathan Holman.
Joining them are recently turned professionals Antonio Murdaca, Jarryd Felton, Ben Eccles and Ryan Ruffels.
“We are very excited by this group of athletes,” James said.
“They all have access points into the world’s leading pro tours and we hope they can take full advantage of the program’s increased resources.
“They’re all out around the globe, but it’s important they continue to utilise their service teams as they develop all aspects of their games – and work through the rigours of being professional athletes.”