A 'round' with Laurie Canter - news update on our Open debutant!

Former Kingswood pupil, now Open debutant Laurie Canter [KS 2001-08], has been getting advice on how to deal with the biggest week of his career from a fellow Bath golfer. Canter, 20, will be rubbing shoulders with the world's greatest players at St Andrews this weekend after claiming one of only three qualification places. Cumberwell Park touring professional Steve Surry qualified for last year's Open Championship in a similar way and Canter was quick to ask him for tips on what to expect.

"I am good friends with Steve and we get on really well. The main thing he told me is to go and practice with the best players, so I can get used to playing in front of a big crowd. Someone like Lee Westwood will still have something like 3,000 people following him when he practices, which is something we are not used to as amateurs. But he has also told me just to go and enjoy myself. I am sure it will be a great week."

A Saltford Club member Laurie is also being mentored by former Ryder Cup player Gordon Brand Jnr, who has backed up Surry's words of wisdom. "He told me it is important to go out there and play with the best," said Canter, who was a junior at Bath GC. However, Canter will not be able to really start thinking about The Open for a few more days as he is currently making his England debut in the European Men's Team Championships in Swedenwhich run until Saturday.

"It is a really big thing to get my first England cap. I was really excited to get the call and it will help me prepare for The Open as it is competitive golf. It's ironic really because when I went to the Open qualifiers, I was mainly looking to build up some confidence ahead of the European Championships. I'd missed the cut at the European Amateur Strokeplay event a couple of days before, which was a bit of a shock to the system, but I went to Fairmount and produced probably some of the best golf I have ever played. I did not drop a shot over the 36 holes and that was a big confidence boost."

Canter's Open qualification and England call-up were the latest high points in what is proving to be a memorable year.

It started in style when he won the South African Amateur Championship and he followed that up with victories in two Order of Merit events. Canter puts his success down to a productive winter spent training in South Africa

 "I got in the England A squad at the end of last year and that gave me a lot of motivation. Then I went to South Africa to stay and train with a family friend, Lyle Rowe, who is a pro on the Sunshine Tour. We had perfect weather and the whole experience really helped. I have qualified for the South African Open in December after winning the amateur title so I am hoping to go back there again this winter."

We wish Laurie continued success and look forward to more exciting news as he progresses with his golfing career !