Will Hopkins of Belton Park Golf Club is turning professional
A Grantham golfer is turning professional later this year as he prepares to join the Challenge Tour.
England men's ace Will Hopkins has received a Challenge Tour ranking - which is a feeder tour for the DP World Tour - after finishing 10th in the inaugural Global Amateur Pathway Rankings in 2024.
Hopkins, who won this year's Lytham Trophy and represented England at the European Team Championships, Home Internationals, and in May’s biennial international match with France, will now look forward to playing on the professional circuit in the New Year.
The Belton Park player said: "It has been an honour to be a part of the England Men's Squad.
"My golf game has undoubtedly gone up a level and that couldn't have happened without the resources England Golf have provided for me.
"Some of the fondest memories in my career have occurred over the past 12 months while wearing an England shirt and I’ll cherish them for a long time.
"I want to say a big thank you to everyone at England Golf for their support and aid over the last 12 months. As a player, we're given everything we need to be successful which is all you can ask for.
"I am excited to use all that I've learned through my amateur career and refining it to hopefully have a long and successful career as a professional."
Hopkins’ switch to professional status further showcases the pathway in place for the country's top amateur golfers to reach their ambitions within the game.
He follows in the footsteps of the likes of fellow England players James Claridge, Zach Chegwidden and Charlie Crockett, who all turned professional earlier this year.
England Golf performance director Nigel Edwards added: "Will really progressed during the last year, having won the Lytham Trophy, finished third at the European Nations Cup at Sotogrande, fourth at the Master of the Amateurs in Australia, seventh at the St Andrews Links Trophy, and qualifying for the match play stages of the British Amateur Championship.
"He has been a role model for some of the younger members of our England squads and he should be very proud of what he has achieved over the past year, both individually and as part of the England team and we wish him every success in his professional career."
