With the dawn of every new European Challenge Tour season comes the opportunity to meet the next generation of golfing superstar, and as the 2015 campaign unfolds before our very eyes, challengetour.com will be there to invite you under the skin of the next generation.
First up is amateur success story Ben Stow, who made his professional debut at the Challenge de Madrid in April ahead of a first season amongst the paid ranks.
Rounds of 71-71-68-72 saw him post a respectable six under par total at El Encin Golf resort en route to a tie for 41st place, but he is confident there is plenty more to come as he settles into life on the second tier and beyond.
The former Kentucky Wildcat, who grew up in the south west of England, was formerly ranked in the top 50 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking thanks to victories in the 2014 Brabazon Trophy while also qualifying for the Open Championship at Muirfield a season prior.
His pedigree is therefore without question, but the road from talented amateur to successful professional is not always the smoothest. He is, however, pleased with his first step.
“I’m very chuffed to have made the cut and played the weekend in Madrid,” said the 23 year old. “I played some good golf even though I wasn’t quite firing on all cylinders that week, and although I was a bit frustrated with the scoring part of my game, I did drive it well all week.
“It’s nice for me to be able to get an understanding now of where I am in the rankings of professional golf, and to see how I stack up against some good players. So it has been interesting so far to see what I need to improve.
Stow at the 2013 Open Championship where he finished in a tie for 108th spot at Muirfield
“I need to chip it better, as the guy’s short games out here are pretty good, and I also need to hit it closer more often with my wedges. I didn’t see anyone roll it any better than me with the putter though, or drive it any better, so that is nice to see.
“I’m just going to try and take advantage of invites where I can, make the most of my chances, and hopefully if I can have one really good week I can make enough money to get my card for next year.”
Talking to Stow it is clear he has his head screwed on, and a confidence in his ability that should stand him in good stead. Professional golf can be a cruel mistress though, and while the Challenge Tour has shown itself to be the perfect proving ground for young professionals the world over, there are no guarantees of success for anyone on a circuit that is stronger than ever.
The Englishman knows the dangers all to well, but is in no rush, and judging by his pedigree it would be no surprise if he were to feature on a few leaderboards when afforded the opportunity this season.
“My game is there or there abouts, and if I play my best I can beat anybody,” said Stow, who finished in a share of 22ndplace at the 2012 English Challenge as an amateur, in his only previous second tier start.
“I’m just going to keep working on the things I need to work on. I know there is a good game in there, and when I do play well I just need to make the most of it. Luckily I am a pretty clutch player, and tend to do pretty well under pressure.
“I have said that if I have Challenge Tour status for next year then that will be a successful season for me. First year coming out of amateur golf is a bit different, but if I get my card for next year then I won’t have to worry on invitations and it will be a really big step.
“That’s the goal, but I know I’m a good player, so I just need to wait until things click. If it doesn’t happen this year then it will happen further down the line.
Stow with the trophy for top amateur at the 2012 English Challenge
“I played well in the English Challenge and it was a great experience for me. Playing in the Open was a fantastic experience too. I am learning so fast at the moment, and if I can keep gaining information, then the sky is the limit.”
The boy can certainly talk the talk, and if he were to walk the walk, he could well be a name to watch in the future.
With that in mind, we asked him a few quick fire questions to find out what makes this promising young talent tick…
Full name:Benjamin Harold Stow
Age:23
Height / weight:6’2” / 13’7"
Nicknames:Stowey
Lowest score to par:nine under, in a professional tournament three years ago
Favourite course:Royal St George’s (Links), Marquiss at Woburn (parkland)
Favourite club:the putter, it very rarely lets me down
Best part of your game:driving and putting
Biggest achievement so far:winning the Brabazon Trophy, or playing in the Open
Favourite Major Championship:Masters
Favourite golfer growing up:Padraig Harrington
Course you’ve always wanted to play but haven’t yet:Augusta National, I wouldn’t mind having a knock there
What car do you drive:Nissan Almera
Favourite movie:Shawshank Redemption, hands down
Favourite song / band:Delamitri, which is very much influenced by my Dad
Celebrity crush:Jennifer Aniston
If you weren’t going to be a golfer, what would you be:architect
Favourite place:just outside Zurich, on one of the lakes
Favourite TV show:Prison Break, nailed all of it in about a month
What superhero would you be:Spiderman, as I like the idea of slinging from skyscrapers, and also I love ginger girls
One sentence to describe yourself on a dating profiled:I’m Ben, I’m outgoing, I’m fit, always up for a good laugh and I’ll go anywhere you want me to
Follow Ben on Twitter at@ben_stow.
