Search

show me:

US phenom Wolff eyes return to Melbourne

3 minute read

Australian golf fans could see rising star Matt Wolff at the Presidents Cup in Melbourne if the rookie can convince skipper Tiger Woods to be a wildcard.

TIGER WOODS
TIGER WOODS Picture: Warren Little/Getty Images

Rising star Matthew Wolff says a dream return to Royal Melbourne is motivation to prove himself worthy to Presidents Cup captain Tiger Woods during the US PGA Tour's upcoming play-offs.

The 20-year-old experienced Victoria's famed Sandbelt region when he finished fifth at the Australian Master of The Amateurs tournament in January, but is desperate to get back when Royal Melbourne hosts the Presidents Cup in December.

Since then, Wolff has made a quantum leap from US college star to US PGA Tour winner.

Wolff has also gathered a global legion of fans for an unorthodox yet powerful swing that starts with a kick of his left leg as a trigger.

The Californian's rise has been meteoric.

In May, he won US collegiate golf's NCAA individual title while playing for the Oklahoma State University.

By June, had turned professional and, in his third start, made eagle on the 72nd hole to win the 3M Open in Minnesota by one shot.

But with only six career PGA Tour starts to his name, Wolff sits a lowly 84th on the American team standings for the Presidents Cup.

Only a scorching run through the PGA Tour's first two FedEx Cup play-offs events could catapult Wolff into the eight automatic qualifiers, which are finalised on August 18.

But with a trio of hot play-off results, Wolff could also convince 15-time major winner Woods to be one of his four captain's picks, which are likely to be chosen at the beginning of November.

"I would be ecstatic and that would be awesome," Wolff told AAP about being a Presidents Cup wildcard.

"But it's not up to me; I guess I need to play as well as I can and let the committee (Woods and his assistants) decide."

Wolff, though, is eager to represent the American team and play Royal Melbourne in the middle of the Australian summer.

"It's a different style of golf; Royal Melbourne is the firmest golf course I've ever played on," Wolff said.

"It was really cool seeing what I needed to work on to play golf around the world and it forced me to learn shots I don't get to use over here (in the US)."

Woods intends to use a captain's pick on himself and become just the second playing skipper in the Cup's 25-year history.

The PGA Tour, who runs the Cup, is also likely to suggest Woods choose fan favourite Phil Mickelson, the Cup's record holder for most appearances (12) and points (32.5).

Wolff will also face stiff competition for a pick from proven Cup stalwarts Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler - all currently outside the top eight.

Wolff's former college rival and fellow rookie, Collin Morikawa, is also higher on the standings courtesy of maiden PGA Tour win, at the Barracuda Championship last week, and two other top-five results in his past three starts.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au