Euan Walker 'excited' to fly flag for Dundonald Links as new touring pro

He carved out his amateur career as a member of Kilmarnock (Barassie) and now Euan Walker is aiming to use a new tie up across the fence at Dundonald Links to be part of Scotland’s current tale of success in the professional ranks.

Euan Walker is the new touring professional at Dundonald Links, where Darwin Estates are investing £25 million on and off the course.

In an exciting development, the 25-year-old has signed a deal to become the new touring pro at the Ayrshire venue, which is undergoing a £25 million investment after being bought from Loch Lomond Golf Club by leisure company Darwin Estates.

Walker, who reached the final of the Amateur Championship at Portmarnock just over two years ago, joined the paid ranks immediately after playing in the 2019 Walker Cup at Royal Liverpool.

The Ayrshireman secured full playing rights on the Challenge Tour through a strong showing at the European Tour Qualifying School at the end of that year only to see his rookie season being decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He’s made the occasional start on the European Tour and Challenge Tour, where he is now gearing up for a full 2021 schedule, starting in Sweden next week.

“To have the facilities that Dundonald has to offer so close to my home makes it the perfect place to base myself from,” said Walker of his timely attachment to the 2017 Scottish Open and Ladies Scottish Open venue.

“The on-going developments and improvements to the Resort, together with the changes that have already been made to the championship course, are making Dundonald one of the major golfing venues in the country, and I am excited to be representing the resort on an international stage.”

Walker is part of the Bounce Sport stable, which also includes four-time European Tour winner Stephen Gallacher, 2019 European Tour Rookie of the Year Bob MacIntyre, Callum Hill and Grant Forrest.

“Watching Grant and Bob perform so well early on in their careers gives me the belief and encouragement that I need,” added Walker. “I know how hard they have worked, so I am under no illusions as to what I need to do.

“Having the right team and set-up around you is key to becoming a successful golfer, and I see Dundonald as an important part of this for me.”

Darwin Escapes took over ownership of the resort in 2019, and have made a significant investment both on and off the course. Kyle Phillips returned to fine-tune his original design, and a stunning new clubhouse is currently under construction.

In addition to the golf facilities, the investment project will also see the development of 22 rooms and 18 luxury lodges.

Ian Ferguson, the resort’s eneral manager, said: "We are thrilled to be able to welcome Euan to Dundonald Links as our touring professional.

“He is a player with an incredible calibre, as we have seen throughout his amateur career, and we believe he will make significant waves in the professional ranks.

“With the investment made in significantly improving our facility, it is the perfect place for Euan to call home and work on his game around his tour events."

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