ALMOST four weeks to the day after dislocating a finger in a school footy match Zach Murray is finally back hitting golf balls and counting down to some of the biggest amateur events in the world.
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The Wodonga golfer has a little over a week before heading to Britain as part of the Victorian Institute of Sport and Golf Australia squads.
Murray, 18, will travel with fellow Australian wunder-kid Ryan Ruffels on the 28-hour continent hopping shuttle with stops in Dubai, London and finally Edinburgh on the way to the St Andrews Links Trophy.
Since its inception in 1989, the tournament has attracted the world’s top players, notably Ernie Els, Lee Westwood, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogilvy, Padraig Harrington, Justin Rose and present world No. 1 Rory McIlroy.
Murray is confident he can overcome the four-week disruption.
Surgery was needed to put the finger back in place after a tendon became jammed in the dislocated joint.
“I got the all clear from the physio this week and went out for a chip and a putt and then hit just a few 8 irons,” the year 12 Catholic College student said.
“It’s still a little sore.
“Originally we thought it was a two to three-week thing but after the surgery it turned into four to six weeks.
“I’ve used the break to my advantage and got stuck into the study.”
It cost him spots in the Victorian team that won the national amateur title and Commonwealth’s metropolitan pennant winning squad.
“I went to those finals and just stayed in the background,” he said.
“It was pretty tough mentally being there and not being able to play and, to be honest, it wasn’t until I picked up a club this week that I could put it behind me — in the end it has probably re-ignited my passion.
“Being out of those two wins has cost me ranking points as well so I need to do well in Europe.”
Murray will play a three-cornered international series for Australia after St Andrews and on the way to the British Amateur that will be jointly hosted by seven-time Open venue Carnoustie and Panmure.
Its winner’s list includes Jose Maria Olazabal, Sergio Garcia and Matteo Manassero.
“These are big tournaments and last year,” Murray said.
“I had the worst of the weather when I played in England.
“I just have to put my head down and play to the best of my abilities and I can be competitive.”
