CHARLOTTE – Lorcan Morris, the Amateur Golf Tour’s 2005 champion, has become the first AGT alumnus to win a professional golf tournament.
Morris achieved that distinction by capturing the Carolinas Pro Golf Tour event at Rock Barn Golf & Spa in Conover, N.C., on July 24. Morris fired rounds of 69 and 72 for a three-under total of 141. He took home the $1,800 first prize, and also picked up a two-year equipment deal with Srixon.
"That win told me I made the right decision to turn professional. It justifies my decision to pursue this as a career," said Morris. "And I’m very excited to sign with Srixon. I won the Amateur Golf Tour Championship playing a Srixon ball. I really like their equipment and it can help me follow my dream of playing the PGA Tour."
Morris’ win was a red-letter day for the Amateur Golf Tour, which operates separate tours in more than 30 regions across the country.
"We’ve had other AGT members turn pro, but none has gone on to win a professional tournament. That is quite a feat, and I’m honored we played a part in Lorcan’s development," said AGT president Dennis McCormac. "And for him to get a two-year deal with Srixon is incredible. That will provide the equipment support he needs to climb the mini-tour ladder."
Morris, 25, is a native of Ireland who played collegiate golf at Wingate University. He was runner-up in 2004 at the AGT’s national championship before winning the national title the next year. Morris credits the AGT for helping him develop as a competitive golfer.
"The Amateur Golf Tour, without question, is one of the best forms of competition you can experience," he said. "Winning the tour championship made me realize I could throw my hat in the ring and play professionally. When you win the AGT Championship, you’re not only beating 500 guys at the finals, but the 3,000 other guys around the country who didn’t qualify."
Morris is currently fourth on the CPGT money list for 2007. He plans to finish out the year on that tour, then head south this winter to play the North Florida Professional Tour.
For more information on the Amateur Golf Tour, visit www.amateurgolftour.net. For info on the Carolinas Pro Golf Tour, visit www.carolinasprogolftour.com.
Contact:
Dennis McCormac (704) 844-8264; dmac@amateurgolftour.net
Craig Distl (704) 377-8622; cdistl@bellsouth.net
