WODONGA golfer Zach Murray is eager to take his game to another level next year.
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After an indifferent 12 months, the right-hander has received a boost by holding his spot in Golf Australia’s national squad.
He holds Tier 2 status.
“It’s a good accomplishment as there are a lot of good players out there,” Murray said.
“It’s good news.
“I was reasonably happy with my results throughout the year.
“I just think I need to ramp up my work ethic and put my head down and have a really good crack at it.
“This year has been tough with school and injury.
“I have been a bit up and down but hopefully I can put some good results on the board going forward.”
Cameron Davis and Ryan Ruffels reached high performance benchmarks in becoming inclusions at the Tier 1 level.
Murray was joined in Tier 2 by Hannah Green and Brett Coletta.
Murray, 18, was dealt a major blow in April when he suffered a dislocated finger in a school football match.
Weeks later he toured Britain as part of the Victorian Institute of Sport and Golf Australia squads.
Murray will now turn his attention to qualifying for the Australian Masters at Long Island on Monday.
He admitted it would be tough going.
“I think there are 120 blokes trying for six spots,” he said.
“I’ll see how I go.”
Murray is also sweating on a start in the Australian Open from November 26 to 29 at The Australian Golf Club.
“I’m waiting on a call,” he said.
“Hopefully I can get an exemption.”
Corowa’s Marcus Fraser is a confirmed starter along with fellow Aussies Brett Rumford, Richard Green and Andrew Dodt.
Ryder Cup heroes Nicolas Colsaerts and Paul Lawrie have also committed.
Championship director Trevor Herden said their addition continued to bolster a great international contingent that boasts defending champion and dual 2015 major winner Jordan Spieth, former world No.1 Lee Westwood and 2011 Open Championship winner Darren Clarke.
“We’re delighted to have Nicolas and Paul join the field – it really shows the genuine international interest in the Australian Open,” Herden said.
“They’re both world-class players who have performed at the highest level, and their interest in our national championship, along with the other overseas competitors, shows the global attention the tournament generates.”
