Up and coming New Zealand golfer Nick Voke is making the most of his chances abroad following the cancellation of the New Zealand Open.
Voke has played on the Korn Ferry Tour (KFT) in the United States for the past three seasons, a developmental circuit which feeds directly onto the PGA Tour.
Nick Voke Photo: Photosport ltd 2020
Having limited KFT status, Voke had been spending the summer months back in New Zealand catching up with family and friends he had not seen for two years due to Covid.
Things changed quickly when his manager alerted him he would likely make the field for the recent season opening event in the Bahamas.
"Overnight it went from me being way out of the picture to basically being guarenteed a start in the event. My manager made things happen and four flights later I made it to Exuma via LA, New York and Fort Lauderdale. "
Voke shook off the jet lag and performed well considering his preperation.
"I made it in at 3pm the day before the event started and was stoked to make the cut and finish in a tie for 38th."
"It was nice in a way not to play any practise rounds because the course in Exuma is really tight, with trouble lurking everywhere. I went in relaxed and just went for it which paid off."
The last minute result means Voke is set to improve his ranking and qualify for more events in the season.
Having performed well at the New Zealand Open early in his professional career, the Iowa based 27 year old feels for local New Zealand professionals currently in limbo.
"If it was me, I don't think I would have the motivation to practice without knowing when my next event would be, it's brutal," Voke said.
"There is a bunch of quality players back home who just need to get some momentum going but haven't been able to over the past two years."
"I'm fortunate to have some status here on the Korn Ferry Tour and I'm just excited to take any opportunity I can get."
Vokes quest for promotion to the PGA Tour continues this week in the KFT's Panama Championship, beginning Friday.
-RNZ