Andy Murray, the two-time Wimbledon champion, is reportedly setting his sights on golf after retiring from tennis. The 38-year-old Scotsman, who plays off a two-handicap, has become a more frequent participant in pro-am tournaments this year.
Murray took part in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth this year and last, and is now making his debut in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. He’s partnered with Eddie Pepperell at St Andrews, playing across the three courses during the team championship.
However, Murray isn’t content with just being a regular on the pro-am circuit. He’s expressed his desire to compete as an amateur in the future. Sky Sports commentator John E. Morgan mentioned during Murray’s opening round: “Did I hear through the grapevine he wants, in a couple of years, to have a little go at qualifying for The Open, is that right?”.
Dominik Holyer confirmed: “He would like to try and qualify, be good enough to try qualifying for The Open at St Andrew’s here in a couple of years’ time, you’re absolutely spot-on, John.”
Morgan then joked: “That’d make me feel quite bad, if he goes ahead and is able to do it, I mean, talk about multitasking, unbelievable.” To which Holyer quipped: “Some people just get all the talent, don’t they, John.”
These comments refer to what Murray said after the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am. “I don’t have ambitions of playing in The Open,” he admitted to reporters.
“I want to try and play in the regional qualifying at some stage. A couple of my friends have done it, and it would just be a fun thing to do if you got to the level where you’re able to do that, I would do it, but I certainly don’t think I would have any chance of qualifying for The Open.
“I’m fully aware of how good the players that play in those events are and how good the pros are in comparison to amateurs. Even guys that play off +2, 3 are miles off what these guys are.”
Murray added: “Not next year, the following year. In a couple of years’ time, I think, well, I’m hoping I’ll be at a level where I won’t totally disgrace myself, but you never know.”
Initially, he’s keen to continue competing on the celebrity circuit. “I want to start playing in more competitions because I enjoy it. I think one, you concentrate a bit harder, but I like the competitive side of it. That’s what I enjoy.”