OAKVILLE, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is pleased to congratulate National Amateur Squad member Chris Hemmerich of Kitchener, Ont., for his decision to pursue a career in professional golf.
Hemmerich, 21, makes the jump to the professional ranks after a strong season, which featured taking home the hardware at this year’s Investors Group Ontario Amateur Championship. As of this week, the University of Guelph graduate sat at no. 88 on the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR).
The decision comes shortly after being eliminated from the U.S. Amateur last week, giving Hemmerich time to officially turn professional before PGA Tour Canada’s Great Waterway Classic begins on Thursday at the Loyalist Golf & Country Club in Bath, Ont.
Hemmerich has had some experience playing in professional events as an amateur, with his best finish coming at PGA Tour Canada’s Thunder Bay Classic earlier this year, where he finished T35.
As his two-year stint with Team Canada comes to a close, Hemmerich is grateful for all the support he has received and has nothing but good things to say about the program.
“It gives you the ability to gain experience in tournaments you otherwise couldn’t, and also the ability to practice in a team environment,” said Hemmerich. “The coaching staff, lead by Derek (Ingram), was great because he would travel to our tournaments, helping us create a game plan for the four rounds of golf ahead.”
The former Guelph Gryphons team captain feels that although he may be young, he is well prepared to make the jump to the pros.
“The Team Canada program does a great job of showing you the proper ways to travel, train, and practice on a regular basis – which is much needed when doing it for a living,” said the commerce major. “I feel like my game has gotten much stronger since first being selected and I’m looking forward to continuing to improve and start out a professional career.”