Nick Dougherty

Nick Dougherty is popularly known as the protégé of Britain’s greatest golfer, Nick Faldo. Dougherty was born on May 24, 1982 in Bootle, Merseyside. His potential to make it great in golf was recognized as early as his teens. He has had many exceptional amateur career wins including winning three Faldo Junior Series events and the 1999 World Boys Championship. Even in his amateur career, Dougherty had the privilege of being one of the team members in the Great Britain as well as the Ireland 2001 Walker Cup team who were both victorious.

Nick turned professional in the year 2001. In the same year, he gained membership in the European Tour through the 2001 Qualifying School. In 2002, he was able to win the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award. His 2003 season was hindered because he was diagnosed with glandular fever. His performance in 2004 was not enough to make up for his absence in 2003. However, Dougherty made a big comeback early in 2005 when he won his first European Tour event – the Caltex Singapore Masters. This victory was followed by even more impressive performances in Ireland, Dubai, Germany and Scotland. In the middle of 2005, he reached the top 100 of the Official World Golf Rankings. By the end of 2005, he was 15th on the European Tour Order of Merit. The start of 2006 was great for Dougherty but he struggled later in the year.

Dougherty made a positive comeback yet again in 2007 by leading in the first round of the 107th US Open which was held at the Oakmont Country Club. He was able to finish tied for seventh place which is to date, his best finish in a major championship. Later in 2007, he secured his second European Tour win – the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. He finished 2007 at number 11th on the European Order of Merit. After securing his second win in the European Tour, Nick’s ranking was propelled to the top 50 in the Official World Golf Rankings and he became one of the running candidates to qualify for the 2008 Ryder Cup team.