Why Connor Graham decided Texas Tech University was ideal to continue his rise up the golfing ladder

Perthshire golfer Connor Graham is plotting a course to the top of the sport - and is taking his talents Stateside to tee-up the next stage of his journey.

The 17-year-old from Blairgowrie has earned himself a prestigious scholarship at Texas Tech University and will jet out next summer.

Connor, who became the youngest ever Walker Cup participant this year and was also in the winning European Junior Ryder Cup team, is excited to push his game to the next level.

“The main thing is being able to play golf all year round,” he explained to the PA.

“You can’t really get too much done over here during the winter time.

“College golf over there is so strong and I’ll be able to play and compete with the best amateurs in the States. That can only help your game.

“Having the competitive environment helps push your game to the next level.

“Everything about Texas Tech caught my eye. The facilities are phenomenal and I was always looking for a place in the southern side of America where I could play all year round.

“Texas has the good weather so I can play and practice right through the winter months.”

Connor sounded out a number of people to get their views on life Stateside, including Walker Cup team-mate Calum Scott from Nairn who currently attends Texas Tech.

“I spoke to Calum quite a lot about it because he is obviously there at the moment,” Connor said this week. “I’ll get a year with him.

“I also spoke to his brother, Sandy, to try and get as much information as I could. It seemed like the right move for me.”

Texas Tech has become renowned for helping to carve the careers of aspiring golfers and one previous alumni is Ludvig Åberg.

Åberg is currently taking the world of golf by storm and earlier this