10th June 2021
Name – JAKE BOLTON
Age – 22 (d.o.b. 31st July 1998)
Hometown – Swindon
Golf Club – Ogbourne Downs GC, Wiltshire, England.
Equipment – Taylor Made woods, irons and ball. Scotty Cameron putter. Adidas apparel.
Current WHS Handicap Index = -6.8
Highest Amateur Rankings – SPWAR #13 / WAGR #51
Turned Pro – 10th June 2021
Jake Bolton With The Scottish Open Amateur Trophy In August 2019 (Photo: Scottish Golf)
1 How did you get into golf ?
My father. I was given a cut down 7-iron when I was 7 years old. I hit some shots in the park behind our house and soon realised it was what I wanted to do. I joined Ogbourne Downs when I was 10 and started playing in competitions from 12.
2 Describe your progression to the top of the amateur game ?
I just got better each year as I started playing in competitions, moving up through the junior, county, national and international levels. 2016 was my breakthrough year where I had top 10s in the Henry Cooper and Carris Trophy. Playing against the best players in Great Britain and also internationally is something you need to do to improve and I’m thankful I’ve been given those opportunities.
3 Did you consider going to a US College ?
Yes, I had a few offers. Ole Miss being one of the big ones where Braden Thornberry, who was World No. 1 at the time, was playing. Unfortunately it didn’t work out with the NCAA and I couldn’t get clearance despite getting my SATs. It was tough at the time because I didn’t know what level I could get to over here as I hadn’t been selected for a national squad at that time. Ole Miss still follow my progress today which is nice.
4 How have you funded your amateur career ?
The hardest bit about amateur golf is the financial part for almost every player. Luckily I have a supportive family, some club members have helped out and for most of my amateur career I was part of Golfing4Life. They were incredible with their support and thank you isn’t enough for those people. Hopefully I can give back to them somewhere along the line.
5 Who is your current coach and what other support have you received over the years ?
I have worked with Russell Covey since 2018 who has been very influential in my progress. He’s not just helped me technically and physically but also psychologically too. Obviously being part of the England Golf set up in recent years has been helpful too. Practicing alongside people you compete against and attending warm weather training camps drives you forwards. Graham Walker and Mike Kanski have been great in terms of understanding the short game and putting and where and how I need to improve.
6 What have been the highlights of your career to date ?
I have three main highlights. Winning the 2019 Scottish Open Amateur after being left out of the England team for the Men’s Home internationals, which was being played the following week. Also going to South Africa in early 2020 was an amazing experience. Finally, playing in the 2021 Walker Cup at Seminole was an incredible week which I’ll never forget.
Jake Bolton Holes A Great Putt On The 17th Hole In The Day 1 Foursomes