John Merrick

On Sunday the American John Merrick won his first US PGA Tour title when he was victorious at the Northern Trust Open. This week’s player profile introduces fans to this talented young player who is making his mark on the North American golf scene.

30-year-old Merrick was born in 1982 in Long Beach, California. After discovering his love of golf in earnest during his high school years, the young Merrick won the Moore League High School Championship and the SCGA Amateur Championship – both before the age of 19.

In 2006, Merrick turned pro and joined the Nationwide Tour. After weathering the competition of professional golf with apparent ease, he carded his first career victory at the 2006 Peek’nPeak Classic. This victory propelled him to 21st place on the Nationwide Tour’s money list and in 2007 Merrick joined the US PGA Tour.

Merrick’s debut year on the PGA Tour saw the young champion playing consistently, with his best result for that season being a fourth place finish at the Reno-Tahoe Open. The following season, the American’s earnings exceeded $1 Million for the first time, with several top 10 finishes propelling Merrick’s position on the world golf rankings upward during the 2008 season.

Although his first few seasons on the US PGA Tour were successful, victory evaded Merrick from 2007 until 2013. Over this period, the American’s place on the world golf rankings rose and fell as he carded top-20, top-10, and top-5 wins respectively. In 2012, Merrick came frustratingly close to victory at the St Jude Classic, where he had to settle for second place – one stroke behind Dustin Johnson.

On Sunday, John Merrick won his first title in 169 starts at the Northern Trust Open. Now a member of the winner’s circle, Merrick is likely to produce many more exciting rounds of golf for fans around the world.

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