(Ep 113) Justin Walters

In this latest episode of Chasing Pa In rs Golf Podcast which is Proudly sponsored by Golf Tips Checker I was joined by 2x Sunshine Tour champion & 4x DP World Tour runner up as I give you the remarkable story of Justin Walters. In a really deep, honest, meaningful at times tough not to feel emotional chat Justin goes at length about how career struggles affected him, the heavy loss of both parents with remarkable bravery to recover from such adversity to being a main stay on the DP World Tour for over a decade!

 

Justin was born in South Africa but is Half South African & Half English by his own admission due to having an English mother. Justin would take a college placement in the States in 2001 while managing to get into the University of North Carolina State & was number 1 at a period of time at NC State playing every week against serious players including PGA Tour players Hunter Mahan, Bill Haas, Brandt Snedeker, D.J. Trahan & Ryan Moore. In 2002 due to having dual citizenship Justin would get the call up to team GB & Ireland for Palmer Cup where alongside Oliver Wilson & Stuart Manley would battle a very talented US side consisting of the best college talent (Haas, Mahan, Trahan, Nick Watney). 

 

Justin would turn pro in 2003 & although would struggle in his first few years he would win 2004 Parmalat Classic on Sunshine Tour & 2005 Statesville Open on Tarheel Tour (US). In 2011 he would pick up his 2nd Sunshine Tour title at Investec Royal Swazi Open in the Stableford format legit coming off a 3 weeks injury layoff after slicing the top of a finger. 2013 was the year that propelled Justin properly on Tour ending up a career high 64th on Race to Dubai standings, 2013 European Tour Graduate of the Year & a 2nd at Portugal Masters pipped by David Lynn & contended in the big Turkish Airlines Open event which included Justin Rose & Tiger nonetheless. We get a story of how Justin was just a baby away from the greatest and being mesmerized by his swing! 2019 was also a strong year with a 2nd back home at Dimension Data Pro- Am & T2nd again in Portugal. In 2020 after the COVID restart Justin would lead ISPS Handa UK Championship at The Belfry Brabazon Course from start to finish until making a few mistakes going for home when Rasmus Hojgaard with an amazing finish got into a playoff where Hojgaard would win & still to this day Justin's biggest regret. He loves the Belfry after also a T3rd in 2022 at Betfred British Masters. 

 

From promising college career to career struggles to near misses on the main tour to personal tragedies this is a must listen to episode. I fully appreciate Justin's full honesty! Wish him all the best for 2024.