Nick Marsh’s breakthrough season has just got even better.
The 19-year-old Huddersfield amateur has been called up to represent England in the prestigious Spirit International competition at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas.
He leaves on Thursday for an all-expenses paid 11-day trip to the Lone Star State.
Only two men and two women are chosen to represent each country in this unusual competition where birdies count and bogies don’t, putting the emphasis very firmly on going for every shot.
Twenty countries from six continents are invited to take part. Established in 2001, The Spirit is biennial, alternating with the World Amateur Team Championships.
The chosen golfers will enjoy an Olympic-like atmosphere with opening and closing ceremonies, an international village and the chance to win both team and individual gold medals.
For Marsh, who lives in Elland and plays off plus four, it fulfils a lifetime ambition. He said: “I am over the moon about being selected. I have always wanted to play in the USA for England. Any time you get picked to represent your country, it is always an honour wherever it is, but this is a dream come true.
“It is a strange format which encourages you to go for every shot, there’s no point laying up and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Marsh (inset) burst on to the international scene after reaching the last eight in the British Amateur Championship at Royal Cinque Ports in June.
He was three under par when his match against Max Orrin ended on the 15th.
Orrin had one of the rounds of his life, shooting seven under par.
Marsh also reached the last 16 of the English Amateur Championship and was runner-up in the North of England Open Amateur Golf Championship.
He is extremely proud to be selected for the home international at Ganton where he was unbeaten, winning four out of a maximum six points.
He knows he has come a long way this season, and his game has reached another level. He puts as much time as he can in on the golf course and gym.
He said: “My game is much better now. My long game was already at a high level, but my short game has improved. Putting is still an issue and I’m working on it continuously.
“It’s been a fantastic season and I would not have got this far without my parents David and Joanne and coach Andrew Nicholson.”
Marsh hopes to join his father at the Fenti Golf Club, Sudan, for some winter training after his return from Texas.
He’s had a phenomenal season, but there’s a feeling from those that know him, that the best is yet to come from this talented young man.
