Germany’s Matthias Schmid has wasted little time turning pro and accepting an invitation to make his debut in this week’s European Tour Cazoo Open supported by Gareth Bayle.
The 23-year-old was the ‘Low Amateur’ at last week’s Open Championship and with new Open Champion, Collin Morikawa singling him out moments after being handed the Claret Jug at the Royal St. George’s prize-giving ceremony.
Schmid had posted a second-round 65 last Friday at Sandwich to equal the record for the lowest round by an amateur in the Open Championship; a record set by England’s Tom Lewis in 2011 and also at Royal St George’s.
While making his pro debut on the European Tour the young German, who is representing the Herzogenaurach club to the north of Nurenburg, has contested two prior Tour events at the 2019 Mauritius Open and later that year at the Porsche European Open in his homeland.
“I played well, even on the weekend I could have done better – I thought I left a lot of shots out there but I’m excited to be here and get the professional career going,” said Schmid.
“I have a little bit of experience, I’ve played in a few tournaments and everyone has helped a little bit. I got a little more comfortable as the week went on. My backgroud of two European Amateur wins and my record at college (University of Louisville) also will help.
Germany’s Matthias Schmid wins the 2021 Low Amateur medal
“To be honest I just waited to play The Open as an amateur and then turn pro right away – now I’m here. I will treat this week like another tourament and try to do my best and be comfortable.
“I watched the 2010 Ryder Cup on TV when it was played here and I had nine-holes of practice yesterday. It looks in good shape and I’m excited.
“You need a little bit of everything on this golf course. It helps if you hit some good irons and make some putts, that’s the easiest way to make birdies, I guess.
“So, I’m super excited to get started now and I hope I have a few opportunities on the biggest stage and I hope to take advantage of them”.
Matthias Schmid with now double Major winning Colin Morikawaa
Schmid had last week been contesting his second Open after qualifying in winning both the 2018 and 2019 European Amateur title, as the same victory Rory McIlroy secured in finding his way into golf’s oldest major in 2007.
And in drawing on the European Amateur connection between Schmid and McIlroy, he indicated it had been McIlroy and also Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia who were his boyhood heroes.
“Of course, Tiger Woods was a hero and I also watched a lot of Rory McIlroy and also Sergio Garcia”, he said.
So, where is the Silver Medal, Matthias?
“It’s in my ruck sack back in the hotel”, he said smiling.
