Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ANDREW CHANDLER
Leading players' manager
I thought he should have done it six weeks earlier on 1 June - that was the advice I gave his father when we sat down in April. It would have taken the limelight off him as he played in a couple of events between then and the Open anyway. With hindsight, it's obvious he should have done that because he would have won pounds 70,000 at the Open and that alone would have secured his card. If he had waited until the end of the year, he would have exposed himself to a lot of unnecessary fuss at the tour school.
PAUL EALES
European Tour professional
His timing was right because he had nothing more to prove as an amateur. There is no question that he is good enough, but it is a tough school on tour and a fine line between success and missing cuts by just one shot. He has the extra burden of media attention, which journeymen pros such as myself don't have. But he is a level-headed lad and he will come through if given a bit of space. A year on, the challenge tour will not do him any harm, but I am not sure that having his father with him all the time is a good idea.
PETER McEVOY
Former amateur champion
Yes. He and his dad both know my opinion. He has done the only thing that could jeopardise a great future in the game. I think he still has a great future, but he has lost a lot of confidence, and that will take time to rebuild. He needed to play another couple of years as an amateur to get bigger, stronger and better. If he had won all the top titles that might have been different but he still had a lot to do as an amateur. Nowadays everything is instantaneous, but you still have to go to university to become a doctor.
KEN ROSE
Justin's father and coach
We felt that to keep his golf going forward he needed to turn professional. He had nothing more to gain in terms of game improvement by staying an amateur. The decision to turn pro after the Open was 95 per cent made in March, but in hindsight we should have timed it earlier. If he had turned pro in April, he could have planned his seven tournament starts on not such a rushed basis. What happened at the Open must have affected him but his confidence is high and his 67 in last week's pre- qualifying school suggests his game is coming back.
GORDON SHERRY
Former amateur prodigy
I haven't a clue whether Justin turned professional too early or not. You can only do what seems right to you at the time and go for it. To people who say he was too young, I would ask what's too young or too old. I have only met him a few times, but he seems a nice guy, really normal, and he just needs to be left alone. He's also a really good prospect - you don't finish fourth in the Open without being an exceptional talent and if he had made a few of the cuts he has missed recently no one would be asking this question.
TOMMY HORTON
Leading senior player
It wasn't a question of turning professional too soon, but I was disappointed they let him play in Holland the week after the Open when he must have been exhausted. Everyone wanted to talk to him and most seasoned pros would have struggled to cope. Even though he only missed the cut by a shot, he did the same the following week and after that it gets harder each time. But there's no question he has the class to succeed. He's a thoroughbred and I hope people are patient with him.
INTERVIEWS: PAUL TROW
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments