Rookie
Scottish professional Gregor Graham will literally be ‘Travelling the
Fairways’ around the world this year after securing sponsorship from a
leading golf tour operator.
The
Blairgowrie man, who is playing on the Hotel Planner Tour after earning
a card through a Global Amateur Pathway, is delighted with his new link
up with Travelling the Fairways.
The St Andrews-based golf tour operator is run by Ron Smart and Fraser
Cromarty, both of whom are excited to support Graham, winner of both the
South African Amateur Championship and Brabazon Trophy last year, as he
bids to make headway in the paid ranks.
“We are delighted to be helping one of Scotland’s up-and-coming talents
as he starts out in his professional career,” said Cromarty, a PGA
professional who has worked in the golf industry for the past 30 years.
“Having
been one of the country’s most-successful amateur golfers in 2024, we
are excited to play a small part in Gregor’s career as he starts off on
the Hotel Planner Tour and beyond.
“He
is not just an extremely good golfer, but he is also a lovely young man
and one that we are proud to have representing Travelling the Fairways
internationally as he literally does exactly that!”
Graham, the older brother of 2023 Walker Cup player Connor, started his
Hotel Planner Tour campaign by playing in three events in South Africa
in January and February before heading out to India recently for the
Kolkata Challenge.
He’s
currently at home preparing for the next phase of his season, which he
is hoping will be in an upcoming double-header in the Middle East - the
UAE Challenge at Al Zorah in Ajman then the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al
Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club.
“It’s
amazing that Ron and Fraser have offered to support me in my first year
on tour as a professional,” said the 21-year-old. “Two fantastic people
who run a great business, so I am very lucky to have them by my side.
“It
is very expensive travelling around the world trying to compete, so for
them to support me is just brilliant and very much appreciated. I’ve
also been supported by Titleist and Footjoy. They have provided all the
clothing for me and the Travelling the Fairways logo will sit proudly on
my chest.”
Graham,
who has also secured a towel sponsorship from Dundee-based branding and
marketing agency Jigsaw Media, is a Paul Lawrie Foundation ambassador
and earned hearty praise from the 1999 Open champion after the pair
played together at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen last week.
“His
game was too good for me and won easily,” wrote Lawrie in a post on
social media. “Keep doing what you are doing Gregor - it will come
good.”
Though
not the first time he had played with Lawrie, Graham admitted: “Yeah,
it was amazing. “It’s not often you get to play with a major champion,
so it was pretty cool to watch his game and play with him. He’s got so
much experience and it’s good to pick his brain and learn as much as
possible from him.”
After
the double-header in the Middle East, the Hotel Planner Tour caravan
rolls into Spain in May and then runs almost continuously in Europe,
including the Farmfoods Scottish Challenge supported by The R&A at
Schloss Roxburghe, through until the end of September.
“The
Hotel Planner Tour has a very high standard of golf,” noted Graham, who
is flying the Saltire this season along with the likes of David Law,
Euan Walker, Daniel Young and Ryan Lumsden. “My first few months in
South Africa and India have been a big learning curve. There is so much
to take in and learn from.
“The
Scottish lads already on tour have been great, whether that’s been
through having practice rounds with them or giving me advice about life
on tour. I know I have a strong game and can compete, so I am looking
forward to getting a run at a few tournaments in a row, fingers crossed
starting in Dubai in April.
“Once
May comes around, we’ll be travelling all around Europe. My category
should allow me to get in most of the events, so I am very excited and
looking forward to the year ahead.”
Gregor Graham played a game with Paul Lawrie at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen last week
