Player Profile - Tom Lewis

This week's player profile introduces golf fans to the newest talent from the British Isles - 20 year old Tom Lewis, winner of the 2011 Portugal Masters.

Tom Lewis was born in 1991 in Welwyn Garden City, a town in Hertfordshire, England. In the scenic setting and mild weather that the town of his birth provided, along with its challenging golf courses, Lewis had both opportunity and motivation to acquaint himself with the game of golf.

Having taken a keen interest in golf during his high school years, Lewis's hours of practice paid off in 2009 when he won the Boys Amateur Championship at Royal St George's. The following season, in 2010, he came second at the New South Wales Open after being defeated in a playoff against Peter O'Malley. At the age of 19, Lewis's challenge for the title drew attention from golf fans and commentators alike.

After coming 12th at the 2010 Australian Open, Lewis continued his fine form this season. At the St Andrews Links Trophy he repeated his winning ways and clinched the title. Having qualified for the 2011 Open Championship, he led the tournament at one stage alongside his namesake, Tom Watson. At the end of the tournament he placed 30th overall and was awarded the low amateur's silver trophy.

After successfully completing the 2011 Walker Cup Lewis made the decision to turn professional. In the short time since turning pro, Tom Lewis has proven himself capable of playing against some of the world's finest golfers.

In September of this year, Lewis finished 10th overall at the Australian Open. On Sunday he carded his first-ever professional victory when he won the Portugal Masters, beating Spain's Rafael Cabrera-Bello by two strokes to lift the trophy.

Golf fans can expect more exciting golf from this young champion when he returns to the European Tour in 2012.

Golfweather Editorial