Inverness-born Rory Franssen is celebrating after being chosen as the lone Scot in a 10-man Europe team to face its US counterparts in the Arnold Palmer Cup at Atlanta Athletic Club, Georgia, in June.
Franssen’s selection was confirmed by European team captain and fellow Scot David Inglis at Florida’s Bay Hill Country Club, venue for this week’s tribute Arnold Palmer invitational event.
Franssen attended Inverness High School and is currently playing on the golf team at Missouri State University. He is no stranger to team competition, having taken part in several European events, including the Scottish boys’ stroke play championship, the European boys’ team championship and the Scottish youths’ championship.
Franssen was third in the Scottish boys’ stroke play championship and his recent strong showings have clinched his place in the European team.
He shone in the recent Tiger invitational. Franssen set numerous career highs in the event, including his best 54-hole score (205), best score in relation to par (five under) and his best individual finish of runner-up in the University of Florida-hosted event at Gainesville.
“Rory has been very impressive,” said Inglis. “He’s had a strong season already, finishing runner-up in Florida and was unlucky to lose there to a birdie on the final hole. I am very confident Rory will do well when we get to the Atlanta Athletic Club in June.”
In recent years honours in the biennial event have gone to the host country and Europe have not won on US soil since 2009 at Cherry Hills in Denver, Colorado.
Inglis named nine of his 10-man team, with the final pick going to the winner of the R&A scholars’ championship at St Andrews.
EUROPE TEAM
Coaches: