Chris Wood

Background

Wood, from Long Ashton, had an illustrious amateur career, winning the 2007 Ping/English Golf Union Order of Merit, in addition to claiming the Welsh and Russian Amateur titles.

The Englishman joined the professional ranks after he burst on to the scene finishing in joint fifth position in the 2008 Open Championship and winning the Amateur's Silver Medal.

In his final round at Birkdale, which was with Ian Poulter, Wood shrugged off any nerves after the first tee. He looked at the leaderboards and enjoyed every minute of the last lap of what he would later describe as "the best week of my life".

Darren Clarke, his ISM stablemate, was instrumental in his decision to turn pro. Clarke, who himself wasted no time in turning professional, advised Wood that if he were to make the switch now, he would be a better player in 12 months than if he stayed amateur.

Chris finished in a tie for 3rd place at the 138th Open Championship at Turnberry in 2009, where he missed out on a chance for the title by just one shot.

This finish gained Chris a place at the 2010 Masters Tournament at Augusta. He finished 44th in the inaugural Race to Dubai and won the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie Of The Year Award.

Chris finished second in the Africa Open at the start of 2011 but a back injury later in the year meant he missed out on the season ending Dubai World Championship. He finished the 2011 Race to Dubai in 89th place.

After returning to fitness and form in 2012, Chris claimed his maiden professional victory at Suwan Golf and Country Club when he won the Thailand Open by two shots with a magnificent score of 23 under par.

Chris started his 2013 campaign in style, sealing his maiden European Tour title at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, which took place at Doha Golf Club, after making a sensational eagle at the 18th to win by one shot on 18 under par.