Q Golf - Official online magazine for Golf Queensland QGolf - Winter 2017 | Page 13

time at the week-long Golf Australia high performance
camp in Houston.’’ A highlight for Dobbelaar will be attending the 2017 US
Open at Erin Hills (June 15-18) as a spectator.
Dobbelaar, the talented 15-year old from Brookwater, will
take leave from Year 11 studies to depart on June 11 for
the United States. “I want to take it all in and watch closely how the world’s
best players handle things,’’ he said. “I plan to gain as
much experience as I can from the trip.’’
He will play at least four tournaments including the Players
Amateur at Myrtle Beach where he finished 11th last year. Top female players Becky Kay, DeeDee Russell and Gennai
Goodwin will line-up for the British Ladies Amateur at Pyle
and Kenfig GC in Wales from June 13-17.
“I only played two events in America last year and am
looking forward to a busier schedule,’’ he said.
“I’ve done a lot of growing in recent months … I suppose
that is something you have to put up with when you’re a
teenager. But I am stronger and feel my game is getting
better all the time.
“I will be away six weeks including time at the camp in
Houston. It will be a big mental test for me because it is
the longest I have ever been away from home.’’
Dobbelaar said he had been inspired by the performance
of former top amateurs Curtis Luck and reigning
Queensland Open champion Brett Coletta in recent PGA
Tour events.
“This time last year Brett was playing in events that I was
playing. It is so good to see people you know achieving like
they have … their careers have really skyrocketed.’’
Kay will then travel to Korea to join fellow Gold Coaster
Karis Davidson to play the Korean Open on invitation.
Davdison will then contest the Japan Ladies Amateur
before travelling to the US where she will stay with Karrie
Webb as a recipient of the Karrie Webb Scholarship with
Kay in Florida for a week.
Davidson, 18, has been coached by Ian Triggs since she was
10 years old. Triggs has also coached former World No. 1
Webb for many years.
Meyer said experience at international level was vital for
emerging amateurs as they prepared for a career in
the sport.
“The reality is that to be successful as a professional you
have to play overseas. These young players