David Boote, former member of Kingswood and Walton Heath become the first European student in over 10 years to be awarded a golf scholarship to Stanford University in 2012. 2 years on and he has been selected for The Walker Cup squad. Deanne Tiger Smith caught up with him between swings to see how things are going State-side.
To start, what was your reaction to your selection for the squad?
Sure! I am excited with the recent news that I have been selected into the GB and Ireland Walker Cup squad this year. It has been a goal of mine over the past few years to make this team and to get one step closer to this goal is exciting to me.
What will be happening between now and the final selection?
For me there are a lot of tournaments, both in college and during the summer. Between now and when the team will be selected later on this summer, there is a great deal of competition within the GB and Ireland players for one of the spots, so it will be tough but fun!
How has your experience of College golf in America been?
My experience studying and playing golf at Stanford University has been exceptional. Nowhere in the world can you match top-class academics with college level sports such as golf, competing at some of the highest levels in the US.
Has it helped you develop as a competitor?
I have learnt a great deal from my teammates and coaches whilst competing on Stanford's team and it has certainly made me into a more complete competitor. The successes of past teammates such as Patrick Rodgers, Cameron Wilson and Andrew Yun can only inspire guys still on the team, like me to our own successes.
Is your goal to ultimately play professionally in the States?
My goal is certainly to play professional golf. I am not sure yet where this will be because it will depend on what opportunities arise when I turn pro.
What are your best memories of playing in the Amateur teams in Surrey ?
Some of my best memories playing for Surrey come from my time spent on the junior teams. I remember days against counties such as Kent and Sussex, competing against players who were all trying to beat each other to make it into the national teams.
Did the coaches help prepare you on your way to where you are now?
I have been through many coaches in the Surrey Golf training programs and my thanks go to all of them. Their knowledge and expertise helped me improve to more of a well-rounded junior player and certainly aided my transition into college golf here in America.
Finally, you played on Surrey's Nike Rookie Tour as a junior. What are your memories of that experience and do you have any advice for their players?
Sure thing, I really enjoyed competing on the Nike Rookie Tour! My message to any youngsters trying to make it to the next level would be to concentrate on your chipping and putting. This is advice I received from Trevor Immelman when I was 10 and it has stuck with me ever since.
Remember golf is just a game so never let anything get in the way of your enjoyment of it, even yourself!