Andy Murray’s ‘unbelievable’ new sporting target after quitting tennis stuns Sky Sports pundit

Andy Murray retired from tennis last year after representing Team GB at the Summer Olympics in Paris, but the two-time Wimbledon champion now has a new ambition

Andy Murray has his sights set on golf and specifically regional qualifying The Open after retiring from tennis. The two-time Wimbledon champion is said to play off a two-handicap and has become a more regular participant in pro-am tournaments this year.

Murray, 38, played the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth this year and last, and is now debuting in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Eddie Pepperell is partnering with the Scotsman at St Andrews as they play across the three courses during the team championship.

He, however, is not satisfied with just becoming a regular on the pro-am scene. Murray has made it known that he wants to play competitively as an amateur in the future.

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“Did I hear through the grapevine he wants, in a couple of years, to have a little go at qualifying for The Open, is that right?” John E. Morgan said on Sky Sports while commentating on Murray’s opening round.

Dominik Holyer clarified in response: “He would like to try and qualify, be good enough to try qualifying for The Open at St Andrew’s here in a couple of years’ time, you’re absolutely spot-on, John.”

Morgan mused: “That’d make me feel quite bad, if he goes ahead and is able to do it, I mean, talk about multitasking, unbelievable.” Holyer quipped: “Some people just get all the talent, don’t they, John.”

They refer to comments Murray made after the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am. “I don’t have ambitions of playing in The Open,” he acknowledged to reporters.

“I want to try and play in the regional qualifying at some stage. A couple of my friends have done it, and it would just be a fun thing to do if you got to the level where you’re able to do that, I would do it, but I certainly don’t think I would have any chance of qualifying for The Open.

“I’m fully aware of how good the players that play in those events are and how good the pros are in comparison to amateurs. Even guys that play off +2, 3 are miles off what these guys are.”

Murray added: “Not next year, the following year. In a couple of years’ time, I think, well, I’m hoping I’ll be at a level where I won’t totally disgrace myself, but you never know.”

First, he wants to keep playing on the celebrity circuit. “I want to start playing in more competitions because I enjoy it. I think one, you concentrate a bit harder, but I like the competitive side of it. That’s what I enjoy.”

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