Player Profile: Oliver Wilson

On Sunday Britain's Oliver Wilson won his first European Tour event – the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. This week's player profile looks back on Wilson's early career, tracing his highs and lows on the road to professional victory.

Early Life

34-year-old Wilson was born and raised in Mansfield, England. His first experience on the course came at a young age, and by the time he was in high school he was a regular player at the Coxmoor Golf Club. Wilson's natural talent for golf soon won him the attention of local pros, and by the time he finished school he had fixed his sights on a professional golf career.

College golf career

Wilson travelled to the United States, where he attended Augusta State University. His time at Augusta allowed the young player to gain valuable experience on the US collegiate golf circuit, giving Wilson his first taste of competitive golf.

Although he was a promising college golfer, Wilson returned to Europe following his graduation and successfully qualified for the second-tier Challenge Tour.

Professional debut

Wilson officially turned professional in 2003, joining the Challenge Tour the following season. Weathering the competition with ease, he finished 15th on the money list and continued to appear in the top-20 for the next four years.

In 2009, his first year on the European Tour, Wilson carried the positive momentum he had built up on the Challenge Tour to place second at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and HSBC Champions events. However, just as he was poised for victory his performance began to flag.

The years between 2011 and the current season were challenging ones for Wilson. Moving between the Challenge Tour and European Tour, he battled with inconsistent performance – but his desire to win was as strong as ever.

On Sunday, Wilson claimed his place in the winner's circle with a victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Golf fans should keep an eye on this resilient player as he makes his comeback on the European Tour.

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