Ellis still has eyes on future in Europe
Weston Park's Ian Ellis is planning a European future - despite the end of his dreams to play on the main Tour next year. He bowed out of the qualifying process for the 2008 European Tour at the end of the second stage, while professional colleagues, Andrew Marshall from Dereham and Lawrence Dodd from Thetford, made it through to this week's final examination.
Weston Park's Ian Ellis is planning a European future - despite the end of his dreams to play on the main Tour next year.
He bowed out of the qualifying process for the 2008 European Tour at the end of the second stage, while professional colleagues, Andrew Marshall from Dereham and Lawrence Dodd from Thetford, made it through to this week's final examination.
Ellis returned home frustrated and disappointed - but determined to benefit from the experience and to plan a challenging season for 2008.
His skills in the PGA East region, where he is the winner of the order of merit, have already earned him a place in the BMW Championship at Wentworth and starts in four Challenge Tour events.
In addition, his sponsor hopes to obtain him a number of invites to compete in other European events. He will also be following a busy EuroPro Tour schedule.
“I'm still planning to move up a gear next year,” said Ellis. “I shall work hard over the winter and see what it brings me.”
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He makes no secret of his disappointment at falling at the second Tour school hurdle, but says: “It's made me more determined to go back, made me more keen than before. I'm not one to give up and I've taken a lot of positives out of it.”
Ellis was four-over par for 72 holes and felt he left most of his shots on the greens. “I hit the ball well during the week but I couldn't get to grips with the greens, which were very grainy and slopey.
“But no excuses. I did my best and although I didn't play as well as I hoped, I came back playing better than when I went.”
He's also learned some lessons. Ellis believes he needs to hit the ball further, particularly off the tee, but without sacrificing any accuracy. He also wants to improve his physical strength.