Jake Storey is considering a switch to the pro ranks, and a tilt at the Web.com Tour in the US, after a highly successful spell as amateur on both sides of the pond.
The 22-year-old returned from college in the US to win the Northumberland 72-hole Strokeplay Championship over his home course Alnmouth with rounds of 69, 63, 69 and 71 giving him a five-shot victory over Hexham’s Sean Heads. City of Newcastle’s Alex Dixon finished in third spot three shots further back.
Storey’s second round of 63 set a new course record and came an no surprise – he had faced a putt on the 18th to shoot 59 during a practice round from the back tees on the eve of the championship.
Storey’s wins in the 2012 McGregor Trophy, Dutch Junior Open, Irish Boys Open and Italian Under 16 Championship marked him out as a rare talent.
He graduated in May and after a brief return to the North East during which he won the county strokeplay title, he’s now back in the US working and looking for sponsorship with a view to playing in the Web.com Tour qualifying school in October.
“It’s been good the last two years and I’ve enjoyed my time at college,” said Storey. “I’m going to be working for a consulting firm in the US and also looking at sponsorship opportunities to see what can be done with regard to giving Web.com Tour qualifying school a shot.”
