ZACH Murray has again been included in a new look Golf Australia national squad for next year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Catholic College Wodonga student, 17, was first named in the elite group, whose past members include Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, Aaron Baddeley and Karrie Webb, in March.
Golf Australia announced the new nine-player squad for next year this week and while some of the previous group were missing Murray held his spot as a junior.
It means the support of the country’s peak golfing body — international training camps and guaranteed spots in major tournaments world-wide.
Murray said the emphasis was on consistent results against the best in the world.
“With year 12 coming up it is really important to have this level of support,” he said.
“It means a high level of support and coaching, a training camp in the US and entry into events that I might not otherwise get a start.
“The camp in Houston also leads into the US Amateur and hopefully I get to play in that again after just missing out on playing the quarter finals this year.”
Murray said some video analysis this week had him well placed ahead of the Federal Open in the ACT starting on Friday.
The 72-hole tournament will be his final tune-up ahead of his first Australian Open.
“I just worked on a few things with the video, in particular my takeaway,” he said.
“I was a little sloppy and after working on it went out and played the back nine at Wodonga in five under par.
“This weekend I’ll play in the Federal Open with others from the Victorian Golf squad including Ryan Ruffels and Todd Sinnott.
“It’s the course where we won the interstate challenge earlier in the year and it seems to suit Victorian golfers — it will also be a nice tune up ahead of the Australian Open.”
Murray said with VCE ahead of him he needed to chalk up some results this summer.
“I’ve got to go out there, play my best and build the ranking points,” he said.
“I really just need to be smart with my time, balance the demands of golf with year 12.”
Golf Australia’s High Performance director Brad James said that being named to the squad was reward for player dedication.
“The players in this year’s squad have all performed at an elite amateur and professional level,” James said.
“The increased resources and opportunities that National Squad athletes receive will only further their development as GA strives to produce world class athletes.”