Marcus Armitage was one the 16 graduates from last year’s Road to Oman rankings who were promoted to this year’s European Tour following the season-ending NBO Golf Classic Grand Final in Oman.
The Englishman has had a baptism of fire this season as he tries to find his feet on the main tour – having so far finished in the money on only two occasions (at the time of going to press). But, having only spent one full season on the Challenge Tour prior to making the step up the 29 year old is learning each and every week and knows that it only takes four good rounds in a row to change everything, as was the case last year when he won the big money Foshan Open in the closing stages of the season to all but secure his European Tour card.
Worldwide Golf: Give us a quick recap of how your experience has been in the European Tour so far.
Marcus Armitage: The European Tour has been great, my first event was at Leopard Creek in South Africa which was great as it was one of my dreams to go there. I missed the cut by one but I’m gradually getting into it. The tournaments are a lot better and the level is much higher with great players.
Looks like @marcusarmitage1 is enjoying life on the European Tour 📸👬 pic.twitter.com/7S4KCnprEG
— Challenge Tour (@Challenge_Tour) January 31, 2017
WWG: How have you found this step up in the level? Do you feel comfortable playing amongst these guys?
MA: I feel fine around the players. It’s the same game, you just have to do the best you can and hope it’s your week. This season is a learning curve for me but the objective when I go out on the course is still the same – to try and win.
WWG: Have you set any goals for this season on the European Tour?
MA: I’m just focusing on the small things, like I always do with golf, and seeing how far that gets me. I’m just going to sponge as much of it as I can, learn from the experience and focus on trying to win.
WWG: How much help was the Challenge Tour, and playing in events such as the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final, in preparing you for life on the European Tour?
MA: The great thing about the Challenge Tour is that it gets you used to travelling to a lot of different countries and playing on different grasses. So that experience put me in good stead for this year. The season-ending NBO Golf Classic Grand Final was a higher level of event than some of the others on the Challenge Tour as it featured the top 45 players on the Road to Oman Rankings, so that was great preparation for the step up in level this year.
9 holes with the boys 😂 @WilsonGolf @TaylorMadeTour @EuropeanTour @TitleistEurope @samblueswalker @RobRockAcademy pic.twitter.com/ShsUE08Lbr
— marcus armitage (@marcusarmitage1) February 27, 2017
WWG: You played in the season-ending NBO Golf Classic Grand Final last year and finished tied 10th – tell us about that experience?
MA: It’s a magical course and I really enjoyed playing there. The wind can get up a bit but that is part of its charm. It has a great layout and it managed to host a wonderful event.