Cornwall Golf Union
Hall Marks Pro Debut in Style
Cornwall's Harry Hall (West Cornwall) took a giant step this week as he launched his Professional career in style finishing tied 15th at 17 under par yesterday in the prestigious Alfred Dunhill Links Championship played over three courses - Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the Home of Golf St Andrews.
Having narrowly failed to get through Stage 1 of European Tour Qualifying the previous week, Hall, who represented GB&I in this year's Walker Cup match, received an invitation from the Tour and Alfred Dunhill to participate in Scotland. And how he repaid the compliment with childhood friend and clubmate, current Cornwall County team member Matt Richards on looping duty.
Starting at Kingsbarns, 22 year old Hall returned a 2 under par 70 which he followed up with a 4 under 68 at St Andrews. Round 3 was at arguably the toughest of the courses, Carnoustie but Harry again impressed with another 4 under to move himself to 10 under overall at the end of round 3. The prize for this was to be paired with Rory McIlroy for the final round at St Andrews.
Harry was not overawed in any way and seemed to thrive on the opportunity as he opened with three successive birdies leaving McIlroy trailing in his wake. Harry went on to register an excellent 7 under par round of 65 which was only bettered by two players on Day 4 - Tommy Fleetwood and Tom Lewis who both returned 64s. Hall's 17 under par total of 271 was only 5 shots behind winner Victor Perez (France). McIlroy eventually signed for a 67 and a tied 26th spot.
Hall was delighted with his performance - posting on Twitter and Instagram he said "I had the most amazing week making my professional debut on the European Tour. What made it even more special was that I got to compete at the home of golf on a Sunday afternoon with Rory McIlroy. Thank you to the Dunhill Links and the European Tour for the invitation."
Hall's reward was a very handsome pay cheque and no doubt a huge confidence boost as he sets out and continues his professional career. We all know the rungs of the ladder are steep but one foot has firmly been placed. Hall's progress was followed closely by many in the Duchy and there was clear delight at both the progress and the result. There was also some disappointment that despite his great performance Hall received the merest of mention and coverage on live television broadcast of the final day's play. McIlroy and his father were also competing in the team element to the Championship and took a lions share of the coverage. Nevertheless we in Cornwall are confident the future will provide plenty of exposure for Harry, Cornwall is very proud of Harry today and wishes him all the very best for the future.
Matt Richards was delighted to have been on the bag during the week saying "It was pretty amazing, everything you expect from a professional tournament.To be there with Harry was very special having grown up playing golf with him at West Cornwall. Rory was good company and both he and his father Gerry were complimentary about Harry. I chatted with Rory during the round about sport in general. We got away with the weather too and only had two wet holes at St Andrews on Friday. We were also fortunate enough to play a practice round with Luke Donald at Kingsbarns earlier in the week. All in all I had a great time."
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Results
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