Harper looks east for new horizons

Golf

Liam Harper breaks new ground next week when he travels to Thailand hoping to qualify for the 2017 Asian Tour.

The 23-year-old Ashford professional flies out next week bidding to win his first tour card in a competition.

Harper only returned home at the weekend following a trip to La Cala Resort in Andalucia where he retained his Alps Tour Card after finishing tied 18th, with the top-35 earning full playing rights for 2017.

Harper decided to spread his wings after failing to get past the first stage of European Tour School at Collingtree Park in Northampton.

He said: “The Asian Tour is regarded as equal to the European in terms of prize money.

“I have never been to Thailand but am looking forward to the challenge, playing in a new country, on different grasses and weather conditions.”

Harper’s best finish on the Alps Tour was 17th in the Red Sea Venice Open in February.

Reflecting on his year, he said: “It has been a bit up and down but was good to end on a high last week.

“I only played six events this year because of my wedding.

“I then used the Omega Tour to get myself back playing competitive golf, earning four top-five finishes including tied fourth three times.”

Harper, now working with Royal Cinque Ports-based coach Andrew Reynolds, flies out on Wednesday and is due to return on January 15.

‘I have never been to Thailand but am looking forward to the challenge, playing in a new country’