Promising French talent Adrien Saddier is looking to make it big in 2014 as he embarks on not only his first full season as a professional, but a maiden European Tour campaign as well.
Having grown up in the town of Annemasse on the Franco-Swiss border, Saddier learned the game at Esery GC under the stewardship of his father, before spending the last 14 years being coached by golf professional Sabine Etchevers.
A celebrated amateur, the 21 year old Saddier represented France around the world, twice playing the Nations Cup and winning the individual title there in 2013 en route to tenth place in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
After so much success in the unpaid ranks, and having completed his education, the Frenchman turned professional in July 2013 and claimed the sixth card at the Qualifying School Final, having come through all three stages.
As a result Saddier will now embark on a rookie season among European golf’s elite, and has already got that campaign off to a strong start with a tie for 29that the Alfred Dunhill Championship followed by a share of sixth place a fortnight later at the Nelson Mandela Championship presented by ISPS HANDA.
“It’s really nice to be a European Tour rookie,” said the man currently 46thon The Race to Dubai. “I played all three stages of Q-School having only turned professional earlier this year, and I wasn’t sure if I would make it all the way.
“I made the Final Stage last year and missed the cut, so that was great experience and I played very well this year and made it through. I wasn’t nervous at all on the final day as I knew I was playing well, so I just trusted my game and played my best.
“I started playing golf when I was four thanks to my father, and then my coach who caddied for me at Q-School and has been with me since I was seven. It’s a long story!”
In speaking to Saddier though it is clear that he is a man in a hurry, there is a determination in his eyes, and a confidence in which he talks about his game that suggests he is one to watch next season.
His first two performances on The European Tour have shown that he has the talent to tee it up on the top tier, but to keep it going throughout a whole season is a different story.
However his focus is clear, proof coming when asked if he had any hobbies away from the course.
“None,” he replied. “I finished my studies last year, and I just love playing golf each day. It is a great experience, a great game, and I can’t wait to play on The European Tour all season.”
