Respected Australian golf professional Paul Gow believes Wodonga's Zach Murray is building the platform for a long and successful career in the sport.
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Murray broke through for his maiden win as a professional at last weekend's New Zealand Open, but it was the way in which he did it that caught Gow's eye.
After holding the lead at the conclusion of the first three rounds, the 21-year-old fell two shots off the pace heading into the back nine on Sunday, before clawing his way back to eventually win by two shots.
"He's one of those kids that's got that type of composure," Gow said.
"Not all of them have got that, he might have that country kid in him.
"He's not stupid, he knows how life operates and he's got the right demeanor to be a very successful and he's already won before, so he used all of the background that he's had in a short amount of time on the back nine on Sunday.
"One of the things that stood out to me is that not every kid that turns pro and plays for a career can hack it, but he's already shown he can hack it.
"Even if he didn't win that event, he's shown he's got the desire, dedication and the balls to stand up to whatever is thrown at him.
"I think that's better than his long driving or his good putting, it's that aspect that's going to hold him in good stead for the rest of his career."
Gow believes the victory will be the perfect stepping stone to becoming "a really good player".
"It's been done before, it's not like it's unusual, but what I've liked about Zach is he's put his plan together," Gow said.
"I had a good chat to him at the Asian amateur in Singapore last year about what his plans were and he said pro might be something that will be good for me, but it's not good for everybody.
"Even from day dot, he knew that he wanted to be a golf pro and I think he's not just got the ability to play the game, he's got the hunger and desire to be really good at it.
"It didn't surprise that he shot eight-under the first day and kept playing better and better every day."
Gow added Murray is as good as any of Australia's talented next generation.
"I think the big difference is his family upbringing, they're a working class family and he doesn't take anything for granted," he said.
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