Amateurs - there are millions of us everywhere. Some of us play just to escape the missus, some for the social benefits, some, like myself, do it because they truly believe that deep down they can conquer this game.
For those of us in the latter category golf consists of standing on the first tee trying to convince ourselves that, regardless of conditions or hangovers, today is the day we'll shoot a good number. Usually, because of the hangover and conditions, those hopes are dashed within three holes and the remainder of the round is spent cursing what might've been and tinkering with the swing.
However, there are rays of hope in these moments of despair. Beacons who prove that we are not all stumbling blindly in the darkness, as was amply demonstrated at last week's Open.
Anyone watching the Open would've seen young amateur, Lloyd Saltman, picking up the Silver Medal. He held his nerve to finish joint fifteenth on a leaderboard that read like a Who's Who of golf.
Furthermore, three other amateurs, Eric Ramsay, Eduardo Molinari and Matthew Richardson, also made the distance.
Earlier this year Birdie Kim narrowly snatched victory from amateurs Brittany Lang and Morgan Pressel in the Ladies U.S Open.
Michelle Wie also looks destined to turn pro later this year after making a phenomenal impact on the game.
These achievements keep the dream alive for all us wishful thinkers out there.
As Tiger's phenomenal standards sparked a revitalised competitiveness in the pro ranks so has the torch been rejuvenated for amateurs everywhere. You can guarantee we'll be out on that tee believing that we can still conquer this game.
Words By Shaun McGuckian
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