BRETT Drewitt is special golfing talent. The scratch marker was home in Inverell this week from his new home on the Northern Beaches in Sydney and spoke to the Times.
The decorated amateur, who is only just 18, has been fine-tuning his game ahead of a keynote year in his golfing career.
Drewitt is looking to achieve all that he can in amateur golf before making the trek to the professional ranks.
It is a path laced with hurdles and he is under no illusions as to how difficult it is to become a pro.
“I have been working five to six hours a day on my game,” he said.
“Turning pro is a long term goal for me as I have unfinished business as an amateur.”
Indeed he does.
Drewitt recently fired a 65 at Cessnock’s tricky goat track to qualify for the Aaron Baddeley World Junior title in China.
His 65 was seven-under the card on a lay-out notorious for being tight and unforgiving to the erratic thinker.
That tournament flicked a switch in Drewitt who subsequently went to China and finished seventh overall in an amazing achievement.
“It has made me more determined and given me belief,” he said.
There are many burgeoning opportunities on the horizon for Drewitt including a possible stint in the States at college, more pennants golf for his new home club Long Reef, Vardon tournaments and Australian trial events across the country.
One thing is certain, Drewitt realises the fine line between making the world’s premier tours or the grind of a nine to five jive.
“I juggle work and practice and it is a balance,” Brett said.
“But hopefully one day if I get to the US Masters I won’t have to,” he laughed.
Strengths in his game include driving and his major inspirations include Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia.
He also credits his seven-iron as his best club.
Yet golf was nearly not the chosen sport for Brett.
“I almost played cricket,” said Brett.
“I had a choice to make when I was 16 and I chose golf.
“Mainly because it is an all-year-round sport and the money is good.”
Now that Tiger Woods is sports first billionaire who can argue?