Cormac shoots low in first event back
Strong finish at England Midlands Championship
It was his first competition since October but Perthshire golfer Cormac Sharpe proved shooting low scores remains par for the course.
The Blairgowrie member has been out of tournament action for months following the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent shutdown of sport which followed.
But restrictions have eased and the talented youngster (16) headed south last week for a Faldo Series event, the England Midlands Championship, at Kedleston Park Golf Club.
And rounds of 73, 77 and a closing 69 resulted in an impressive seventh place overall finish, third in the under-16 category.
“Overall I played well tee to green but my short game wasn’t as good as it could be,” said Cormac, who is a Scottish international and harbours hopes of reaching the pro ranks.
“It was good getting back to competing in a tournament again and having a decent finish gives me confidence going forward.
“After a long time off I was never sure how I was going to play.”
Cormac’s final round of 69 was particularly impressive with crisp iron play setting up a number of birdie opportunities.
“I didn’t get off to the best start, being two-over through three but I stuck to my game plan and got back to two-under through nine,” the Blairgowrie High student said.
“I gave myself several chances on the back nine but only took two of them which was a bit disappointing. I also three-putted 16 but overall I was happy to finish three-under as this will give me confidence for the next event.
“This was my first tournament since October so it felt really good to be back and get the chance to play against a strong field.”
Friend and fellow Blairgowrie member Gregor Graham was also in action at the event, carding scores of 75, 78 and 72.
The Perth and Kinross County pair ensured to keep their swings in check while courses were closed due to the pandemic.
“I had been working hard on my swing and fitness during lockdown so I felt in good shape,” Cormac explained.
“Some of the older players at my club organised a match play competition which helped me get some golf in against some really good players before I headed for the tournament.”
The tournament calendar has been greatly impacted by the virus, but Cormac understands.
He told the PA: “I had a really busy schedule planned for 2020 but this is now reduced to a handful of competitions.
“It makes it even more important to get off to a good start and make the most of every competition.
“It is a bit disappointing but I appreciate how well the organisers are working to get some tournaments on considering how bad things have been.
“I am now heading to Slaley Hall Golf Club near Hexham for the next Faldo Series competition, which starts on Tuesday, July 21.
“There will be a strong field and it will be another good competition to test myself in.”