Gregory keen to master The Grove on tour debut

Fresh from helping England claim their first silver medal at the World Amateur Team Championships in Mexico, the Corhampton member will take the field alongside some of Europe’s finest golfers for The Grove event hosted by Luke Donald.

The 22-year-old British Amateur champion will tee off alongside David Howell and Pelle Edberg at 9.10am tomorrow.

And he has secured the services of Eduardo Molinari’s caddy Colin Byrne, who has worked in the past with 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie and seven-time European Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomery.

Gregory, who made his Open debut at Royal Troon back in July, can’t wait to cut his teeth against a strong post-Ryder Cup field.

‘This will be my last competitive tournament of the year – both amateur and professional – before starting again in 2017 when I have some amazing opportunities after my win in the British Amateur.

‘Finishing the amateur calendar off with a silver medal at the Eisenhower was an amazing thing to do, and to be part of the first England team to medal was an incredible feeling when you look at the great amateurs who have tried in the past.

‘Our coach, Graham Walker, always talks about leaving a legacy for the people behind us and I definitely feel this year that Team England and myself have been able to do that.

‘Hopefully, we have inspired many others throughout the country and shown them what is possible.

‘I’m aiming to stay as an amateur until the Walker Cup in Los Angeles next August, and use next year to try to gain as much experience as I possibly can before making the switch to the pro ranks.

‘So getting an invite to play in such a prestigious event as the British Masters is another great opportunity to learn from the very best – seeing how they work, and hopefully competing with them over the weekend.

‘I hope to secure some more invites as an amateur on the European Tour in 2017, so this is another progression for me.

‘It is allowing me to feel comfortable in that environment before I have to play to either win or keep my tour card.’

Gregory, who has an appearance at next year’s US Master and US Open to look forward to, said his ambition is to extend his stay at The Grove into the weekend.

‘My goal is simple this week – play four rounds of golf. Then I will re-assess a goal when I make the cut,’ he said.

‘Having Colin on the bag, who has worked with so many great players and seen all the best at close quarters, is another real plus this week, and having some input from him is going to be another great learning experience.

‘I’m really looking forward to the challenge.’