Michael follows Stateside route
But golfer is back for amateur champs
Alyth golfer Michael Brodie is taking inspiration from those who have travelled a similar path.
The plus-one handicapper has completed three years of studies and golf at Lander University in South Carolina.
He has witnessed Scottish players including Russell Knox and Martin Laird take the Stateside route and move on to professional success.
Brodie (21) also watched Muckhart’s Calum Hill, who attended Western New Mexico University, make the cut at this year’s US Open.
“Calum Hill was a little older and he played county golf with me when I was younger,” Brodie, who studies exercise science, explained.
“It’s good to see someone do that, come through the ranks and not be taken through Scottish Golf their whole life.
“It’s an inspiration when you see guys that haven’t been at the pinnacle of Scottish golf for their junior careers making it.
“Russell Knox and Martin Laird were never really big time before they went abroad. It’s worked out well for them.
“I will speak to a lot of people and see what they are thinking. something I would regret if I didn’t get to a good standard.
“It would be a huge dream to play professional golf and be successful.
“I feel like I maybe haven’t improved as a player as much as a lot would expect when you go to America.
“But I feel like I’ve improved in a lot of different aspects of my life. As a person I’ve had so many more experiences.
“A lot of people forget I’m doing a degree and just think I’m out there to play golf. But I enjoy balancing it all.
“It is a good balance, morning classes then afternoon golf.”
The decision to make the move across the Atlantic for his studies was an easy one for Brodie.
He said: “I think it was down to my parents. My mum travelled when she was younger and went all over Europe and America.
“She said it was one thing that I would never regret for the rest of my life.
“A lot of people I have spoken to in the past have had the opportunity and not taken it. I wasn’t going to waste the opportunity.
“My time in America has been good and I’ve just finished my third junior year. I’m loving every minute of it.
“I have no regrets with going to America. The weather down in South Carolina is unbelievable. There is no such thing as winter.”
Brodie is back in Alyth for the summer and is teeingIt’s up at the Scottish Amateur Championship at Blairgowrie, which begins today.
“I’ve played the Scottish Amateur Championships the last three or four years,” he said.
“I did okay at Royal Aberdeen because it was straight matchplay.
“But I struggled last year at Prestwick. I got through to the matchplay, but got knocked out.
“It feels like a home venue this week even though it’s not my home club. I’ve played there a lot of times so I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’ve played both courses a lot but prefer Lansdowne, it’s a tougher test. I’m looking forward to playing 18 on each.
“The courses, from what I’ve seen, are in good condition. Michael Brodie tees-up at Blairgowrie today
“There’s a little advantage for us playing Lansdowne. A lot of people have heard tough things about it.
“There is a certain level of respect you have to give the course and having a home advantage is good around there.”
Competing in the Scottish Amateur Championship is always special.
“I’m playing okay just now and I’m practising as much as I can, getting out on the course,” Brodie went on.
“I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully I can get through to the matchplay stage.
“The event is huge for Scottish players and it’s always such a good week. Scottish Golf run it very well.”