Gregory gets invaluable advice ahead of Masters debut

The 22-year-old, who lifted the prestigious Georgia Cup yesterday, is currently Stateside preparing for his debut at Augusta next week.

The iconic Georgia course is regarded as one of the toughest on the planet.

Its lightening-fast greens and eye-of-a-needle pin positions can overwhelm even the best of players.

But Corhampton’s Gregory, who began his career at Waterlooville Golf Club, has been given some words of guidance on how to tackle Augusta from former champion Jordan Speith.

Despite being just one year Gregory’s senior, Speith won his first green jacket in 2015.

The world No6 has also finished runner-up at the Masters on two occasions – most recently claiming second spot last year behind winner Danny Willett.

Gregory revealed Speith has given him an insight into the difficulties of Augusta and stressed the importance of researching the ins and outs of each hole.

‘I met Jordan on the putting green at Royal Troon during last year’s Open,’ said Gregory.

‘He is only a year older than me and he is so friendly that it was like talking to one of my mates.

‘We discussed the Masters and Jordan told me that with Augusta it’s all about playing to certain spots on the fairways and how these change depending on where the pins are.

‘He said to do the research on the different pins and I’ve done that.

‘He’s finished second, first and second in his three Masters so far, so he’s not the worst person to have as an adviser, is he?’

Another player who has been helping Gregory’s preparations is fellow Hampshire ace Justin Rose.

The pair are products of the county’s junior development programme, Rose rocketing to fame when he finished tied-fourth at the 1998 Open at Royal Birkdale as a 17-year-old amateur.

South African-born Rose bids to add a first green jacket to his trophy cabinet that contains a gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics and US Open title in 2013.

Gregory added: ‘Justin has been a great source of information.

‘He has fixed me up with a local caddie, who he uses himself during tournament weeks.

‘Justin says you need all the guidance you can get around Augusta and I’m very grateful to him.’

Gregory’s appearance at Augusta is his second outing at a Major.

His debut came at the Open at Royal Troon last July where he missed the cut after two rounds.