Sean Crocker may only have turned professional five months ago but he is making a big impression as he tries to earn himself a place on the European Tour.
Born in Zimbabwe, the 21 year old moved to the United States as a youngster and had an impressive amateur career, playing for the University of Southern California before coming across the Atlantic to turn professional.
He did that following last season’s Omega European Masters and has barely looked back since.
The American has no official status on the European Tour and played his first four events of the season on invites, securing an impressive pair of top tens in Australia.
A tie for fifth at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth got him into last week’s field at the NBO Oman Open but he is playing on an invite again at this week’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and was making the very most of the opportunity.
Rounds of 67-68-67 had him right in contention at Doha Golf Club and he is delighted to be finding his feet and mixing it with the big boys.
“I love it,” he said. “It’s an honour to be out here and not having a card and being able to get invites and come out here and play is so special. I can only thank the guys that are allowing me to come out and play here.
“I like it out here. It makes you grow up faster, it’s helped me to mature a lot faster than I thought I ever would in golf and just mentally. I’m around guys who have been out here for a long time.” Crocker produced a remarkable finish on Friday after being level par on the 16th tee, making an eagle on the par four after driving the green and then adding another on the last to be right at the business end heading into the weekend.
“I was kind of sloppy at the front and middle of my round but fortunate enough to make eagles on 16 and 18. That helps any kind of round,” he said.
“I had a little taste of it two weeks ago in Australia but it was a little different – I was coming from behind – so we’ll see where we end up.”
Sean Crocker
