Gareth Shaw remains one of the best young amateurs to come out of Ireland in recent years with a glittering amateur career before turning professional in July 2008.
Having spent his college years on a golf scholarship in the United States, at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), Gareth benefited from the excellent coaching and possibly the most competitive collegiate tournaments in the world. In July 2008 Shaw earned his second straight Cleveland Golf All-American Scholar award, becoming the first ever ETSU player to be named to that list two years in a row.
Gareth also enjoyed success on the course with an All-America selection, an Atlantic Sun individual championship, and a Conference Player of the Year award.
On his return to Europe Gareth represented the home team at The Palmer Cup against the United States and helped Europe in an impressive performance winning 14-10 after four rounds to reclaim the Palmer Cup.
Gareth was ranked 9th in the Amateur World Rankings before turning professional, and continued to show his unquestionable talent by securing two top-10 finishes during his opening six tournaments on The Challenge Tour.
Gareth was ranked 9th in the Amateur World Rankings before turning professional, and continued to show his unquestionable talent by securing two top-10 finishes during his opening six tournaments on The Challenge Tour.
In 2009, Shaw played 14 events on the Challenge Tour. He never really hit top gear, though, and finished 105th on the Order of Merit. Still, it was his first full season as a professional and gained invaluable experience.
Gareth played an extensive Challenge Tour schedule in 2010 and this week competes in the European Tour Qualifying School Stage 2 as he seeks full European Tour status for 2011. Last week Shaw was one of three Irish players that qualified for playing rights on the Alps Tour next year.
Career Highlights
2006 World Amateur Team
2006 & 2007 European Team Championship (winner)
2 Time All-American in ETSU
Fact file
Date of Birth: October 30th 1985
Attachment: Lurgan Golf Club
Turned Professional: July 2008
Residence: Upper Ballinderry, Northern Ireland
