Conor Gough, of Stoke Park Golf Club, has had the season of his life winning the British Boy’s Amateur Championship, representing Europe in the Junior Ryder Cup and meeting his idol Tiger Woods.  

The 15-year-old, who is currently ranked 21st in the World Amateur Golf Rankings has been a member of the English team since he was 13-years-old. He began playing at a young age, following in the footsteps of his older brother John, who also played for England and is currently in the States on a golf scholarship.

Gough, spoke exclusively to the Bucks Free Press about his achievements this year and his hopes for his future.

When asked about the thing he was most proud of this season, he said: “Obviously winning the British Boys Open at Royal Portrush was a dream come true and something I am incredibly proud of. But the Junior Ryder Cup experience this summer is something I will never forget. Not just for the golf but for the friendships, meeting the players and playing the Ryder Cup course. The whole experience, it was amazing.”

The junior teams played the course at Le Golf National, France, for four days before the main event. They were then able to watch the competition each day as well as meet the leading sports stars. Gough, the youngest player in Europe’s Junior Ryder Cup team, described meeting his idol Tiger Woods as the best things to happen in his life so far. 

He said: “I don’t normally get nervous, but I was star-struck when I met Tiger. It was so surreal.”

But despite his incredible achievements this summer, the St Joseph’s Catholic High School student remains incredibly level-headed for someone of his age.  His aim this year is to focus on his GCSE exams next May in order to secure good grades to gain a scholarship in the States next August.

Gough recognises the opportunities that the sport has given him so far. 

He said: “Through golf, I am meeting new people. My upbringing at the golf club has taught me how to mix with all different people, how to socialise and how to focus. It’s helped with everything really. I am lucky I have made good friendships with people in lots of countries and I have had opportunities to do things most people my age haven’t.”