English teenager Oliver Fisher felt the pangs of heartbreak when he missed a chance to win his maiden title on the European Tour over the weekend.
However, the 19-year-old from Chingford, Essex has all the makings of a future star, so says the man who beat him in a play-off at the Andalucian Open, Frenchman Thomas Levet.
Fisher was two shots ahead with three holes to play in Andalucia but stumbled on the stretch, allowing Levet to force a play-off, which he won at the first extra hole.
Levet, however, is convinced Fisher is the next Nick Faldo. Quite appropriate because the youngster is one of the graduates of the Faldo Junior Series. Levet even mentioned Fisher in the same sentence as that other golfing yardstick, Tiger Woods, when he said after his victory:
“I think he is going to be the next Nick Faldo because his game is unbelievable. If he stays on Tour for another few years and keeps improving the way he has done he will be at the level of Tiger, he is that good.â€
Fisher is a three-times Faldo Junior Series winner and was the youngest Walker Cup player in history in 2005 when, as a 16 year old, he played in Great Britain and Ireland’s defeat by the United States in Chicago.
In 2006, he became the youngest Brit to earn his European Tour card after qualifying school, and he turned professional soon afterwards. He finished his first year 109th on the Order of Merit.
Before the Andalucia tournament, he was 290th in the world rankings and 79th on the European money list.
For Fisher, his defeat to Levet was a lesson learned. And he will know not to make the same mistakes again. He said in a Guardian article:
“I took a four-iron at the 18th in the play-off and this time found a bunker and lost out, but I’m pretty happy with my week. I played nicely in a gusty wind and learned a lot playing with Lee (Westwood) and Thomas. I’d have loved to have won but it’s the first time I’ve been in contention on Tour and you have to learn how to lose first.â€
Westwood, once a prodigy himself, finished third in the tournament and moved up to second in the money list. Having been through some tough times as a pro, he was asked if there was any sympathy for his fellow Englishman Fisher.
Westwood’s reply highlighted the all for one attitude that pro athletes need to get to the top. He said:
“No. If he wants sympathy off his playing partners he is in the wrong game.â€
Westwood, ok, you are right, but was that really all he had to say. After all what has Westwood won regarding majors, hmmm… Have another beer Lee, it wont help your game but maybe your attitude.
Is Fisher England’s Next Faldo?
He’s actually got the talent and potential to be better then Nick Faldo.
Nineteen years old, he’s got years ahead of him, and this weekends fantastic success in Spain will only boost his confidence and help him in further tournaments.
Comparing Ollie to the greats will not put him off, simply ensure he proves everyone right.
Check out plenty of stats about him and his Essex based Golf Coach, Chris Jenkins here – Oliver Fisher Golf
Good luck Oliver !