The newest name among golfs elite, Manaia’s Sam Jones is doing all he can to prove his worth on the professional circuit.
He did just that at the Australian Open, finishing the best of the Kiwis in the field, placing 48th, after entering the final round in sixth.
"To know my game is good enough to be in contention in a tournament like this is pretty cool," he told Newshub.
The world of pro golf is new to Jones, after taking that step just a few weeks ago.
"A whirlwind is a good way to explain it," he said.
Jones gained entry to the lucrative DP World Tour after a gruelling two weeks in Spain and will join the circuit, just as fellow Kiwi Ryan Fox leaves for the American PGA.
"You never know, maybe I might be able to sneak in to a bigger event at some stage and play with him," said Jones.
With golf in his blood, younger brother Ethan is trialling as his caddy, as two boys from a small Taranaki town aim for the golf's big time.
"Just to know you can come from a place like that and achieve something like this on a major tour... don’t give up on your dreams and keep going," insisted Jones.
With his next event in South Africa, starting Friday, Sam Jones’ golfing dream has just begun.
