By Neal Maidment
Perth’s Joshua Greer has made the switch to the professional ranks and will make his pro debut at this week’s Northern Territory PGA Championship.
Joondalup Country Club member Greer earned his card for the PGA Tour of Australasia at Q-School in April, but was undecided on how long he’d retain his amateur status. However, given his desire to make a fast start to life on tour, Greer says the right time is now.
“I did think about hanging on until October to play in the Asia-Pacific Amateur, but then I’d miss a lot of opportunities on the Aus PGA Tour,” he told GolfWA. “I’m looking forward to trying to finish as high as I can on the Order of Merit, so I just want to get out there and start competing professionally.
“I’ve loved every part of my amateur career, but I’ve played golf my whole life with the goal of being a pro and experiencing what it’s like to play in events where every shot really matters to your earnings and your ranking.”
Having earned a number of exemptions into PGA Tour of Australasia events in the past two seasons, Greer says he feels comfortable in a tour environment and is looking forward to locking horns with former WA state teammates Hayden Hopewell, Connor McKinney and Haydn Barron.
Greer also has an excellent chance of earning automatic entry into the DP World Tour co-sanctioned Australian PGA Championship and Australian Open by virtue of his top-10 finish at Q-School. This will provide him with early opportunities to test his game against some of the world’s finest players with huge rankings points and prize purses on the line.
Although “100% committed” to giving his all to the Aus PGA Tour, Greer will attempt to earn his playing rights on both the DP World Tour and Asian Tour at their respective Q-Schools in the coming months.
Josh in action for WA in May’s interstate matches
The Scottish-born Australian national is regarded as one of the nation’s finest emerging talents, who has represented both WA and Australia at interstate and international competitions. His last appearance for WA came in May’s Intestate Teams Matches.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given through the GolfWA High Performance Program – especially in linking me up with my coach Ritchie Smith and physio Marty McInnes,” he said.
“The support of Golf Australia and the opportunities they have given me to travel internationally have also been very helpful and have helped me reach the stage where I’m ready for the next phase of my career.”
The Tailor-made Building Services NT PGA Championship takes place at Palmerston Golf & Country Club from August 17-20. You’ll be able to follow Josh’s progress here.
Image credits: R&A/Getty Images and Australian Golf Media
