IT'S been quite a year for Chelmsford golfer Jack Hiluta.
The 23-year-old won the Spanish Amateur Championship in March and by virtue of that victory earned a shot his first ever European Tour event against the likes of Ryder Cup star Franceso Molinari.
That he made the cut in the Spanish Open in May and finished tied 50th demonstrates that he has ability to make it, one day, as a professional.
Now after such a successful season he's likely to spent at least another 12 months in the amateur ranks before trying to battle through the rigours of the European Tour qualifying school.
"The experience of all that spurs me on and inspires me to try and get to the next level and to compete with those guys on the European Tour," he told the Chronicle.
"I'm not going to turn pro until I'm absolutely ready though. I've seen guys rush into it in the past and I'm in no rush."
Jack, who first joined Chelmsford Golf Club at the age of six, has followed a similar golfing path to the likes of Luke Donald and Paul Casey in that he studied in America on a golfing scholarship – in his case The University of South Alabama – and he says that experience has proved invaluable.
"It was always something I wanted to do," said the former St John Payne School pupil.
"I know other guys have done a similar thing and it's good to test yourself against the top American guys on some great courses." Jack continues to be selected by the England Men's International elite team and is funded through them.
He is hoping he can replicate a fine 2012 in 2013, a year he hopes will culminate in selection of the Walker Cup – the amateur version of the Ryder Cup.
"That's my main aim for next season," he said.
"I've got some work to do on my golf swing and putting but I'd love to be part of the Walker Cup, it's a great event."
