British golf is clearly in good hands with Josh Waters and Mark Brailey already enjoying a good grip on the professional game.

It was pure chance I found my way to the splendid Osprey Point, a 27-hole layout at Boca Raton in Florida, and equally it was a chance meeting with the pair of English-born professionals.

I had been all set to play a round of golf by myself on one of the best public golf courses I had seen for some time when the Osprey Point starter pointed out a three-ball already on the tee, and suggested I might care to join them.

However upon arrival on the first tee of the Falcon Course it both Josh and Mark who beckoned me to join them along with the father, Mark.

While Josh and Mark played off the ‘Black’ or back tees Mark (father) and myself were happy enough playing off the forward Blue tees.

And with no prior knowledge whatsoever of Josh and Mark, I was immediately impressed with their games and with Josh first impressing when he walked off the first hole with a birdie.

It was clear they were the best of friends but on the course the competitive spirit was very apparent which is what you would expect at any level in the game.

Josh and Mark found the fairway with regularity and plenty of deft touches around the green from both Josh and Mark.

Unfortunately, a flash storm and then darkness meant we could only play nine holes but then nine holes was sufficient to get a close-up appreciation of the talent of Josh and Mark, and with Josh having been three under par and Mark two under par through nine holes, before the weather ended our round.

JOSH WATERS – BACKGROUND

At age 23, Josh Waters is the older of the two and ahead of turning professional the Long Island University graduate enjoyed a wonderful amateur career highlighted by the following:

• Played NCAA Division One – Long Island University (LIU) in Brookville, New York.

• Golf Captain for three of four years while at LIU & two-time LIU MVP.

• Victory in Division Two, one individual victory and one team victory at LIU.

• In his LIU final year captured ‘Individual’ NCAA Northeast championship by five shots and only player to finish under par in testing weather conditions.

• Also in his final LIU year Josh’s record was two victories, one second, a third and five other top-10s.

• Unanimously named ‘NCAA Northeast Golfer of the Year’ in 2013.

• Named ‘Conference Player of the Month twice in 2013.

• Named in conference first team in 2013 and named in second team in 2012.

• Honoured by being selected in ‘NCAA Ping All-Region Team in 2013’.

• Twice qualified (As amateur) for Florida Open in 2012 and 2013.

PRO CAREER

• In his first year Josh played on a number of US and UK tours highlighted by three top-5s and nine top-10s.

• Reached final of ‘Players Tour’ season at Woburn, England.

• In 2015 Josh will compete mainly on the Europro Tour and Jamega Tour in the UK along with a number of one-day events and pro-ams.

• He will also tee-up in an Open Championship regional qualifier and looking to win through to the 144th Open Championship on the Old Course, St. Andrews.

• At year’s end Josh will enter the European Tour Q-School.

MARK BRAILEY – BACKGROUND.

Mark is aged 22 years having turned pro off a handicap of 1 in 2011 at age 18. He is currently working as Assistant Professional at the Shirley Park Golf Club at Croydon in Surrey, England.

Mark recently completed his PGA training which involved three years of study and incorporating a Foundation Degree in Professional golf in conjunction with the University of Birmingham.

He now proudly boasts, at 22 years of age, in being a fully qualified member of the Professional Golfers Association.

Hereunder is a list of Mark’s achievements.

• Three holes-in-one in his career.

• Wildernesse Junior Open Champion (Kent).

• Top-10 in PGA Order of Merit event, Richmond.

• Lowest round 67 (RAC Epsom charity event).

Mark singles out World No. 1 Rory McIlroy as his golfing idol: “I love his strength and the amount stability at speed he shows in his golf swing.”

His favourite golf course is St. George’s Hill in Surrey: “It’s a stunning place! The whole package”.

Now that his PGA training is complete Mark is going to play full time this year on the PGA South Region and Jamega Tour this year.

His goal now is to start to establish himself in the region and work my way up to the European Tour: “Ian Poulter did the same as me when he was attached to Woburn Golf club a few years ago… I want to be the next”.