Gregory starting to earmark his schedule for next season

The Waterlooville talent has had a couple of weeks to digest the disappointment of missing the cut at the final stage of the European Tour Qualifying School at Lumine, in Spain, earlier this month.

Gregory felt he pushed himself too hard, which inadvertently had a negative effect on his performance.

As a result, it means the Corhampton Golf Club ace will have a category 15 card on the Challenge Tour – and should play in 12 events next year.

Nevertheless, after representing Great Britain & Ireland in the Walker Cup against America in Los Angeles and signing off as Europe’s top amateur, he is taking the positives from 2017.

Gregory said: ‘I gave myself constant chances in Spain. In fact, off the top of my head, I would say the least greens I hit would have been 14.

‘Maybe I wanted to play well too badly, which meant I did the opposite.

‘I tried my heart out all week.

‘I gave myself constant chances – I was hitting at least 14 greens in regulation in each round.

‘That’s a lot of birdie chances in a tournament when you finish two-over par.

‘All of these things are great to learn from.

‘I hope to never have to go to Tour School again, but only time will tell.

‘One thing for sure is I will giving it my all. I am looking forward to what 2018 has in store.

‘I see only positive things to take into the year.

‘Any failures I have had, I have viewed more as learning opportunities – and that will result in me becoming a better golfer and person.’

The 2016 British Amateur Champion has already earmarked his early schedule before competing in the Challenge Tour, which begins in spring 2018.

Gregory plans to take part in events in Spain and Portugal early next year to ensure he recaptures his competitive touch.

He added: ‘I know when I would like to compete again, which is mid-January.

‘But I am looking at my playing opportunities.

‘I may head down to southern Spain or Portugal and play some mini-tour golf until the Challenge Tour season begins.

‘That is something I am talking to my management team about.’