From Zambia to the PGA Tour via… Fife?!

A former golf student from Scotland’s Rural College is aiming to take on the best in the world after becoming Zambia’s first PGA professional.

US-based Vincent Kabaso, who studied for an HNC in pro golf at the college’s Elmwood campus in Fife from 2007-08, joined the PGA of America last year.

Now, he’s focussing his sights on making it onto the PGA Tour.

“My dad introduced me to golf when I was ten-years-old,” he said. “From the first time I played, it was everything I ever wanted to do.”

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After successfully applying for a bursary in the UK, Vincent initially studied golf at Bridgwater & Taunton College in Somerset,before he was recommended to Elmwood and awarded an R&A scholarship to enable him to continue his studies.

“My goal was always to be a professional golfer so Elmwood proved to be the best place for me to continue pursuing this career,” he said. “Everyone was competitive and most had ambitions to play professionally which motivated me. There was also the thrill of being so close to St Andrews and getting to practice there.”

After leaving Elmwood, Vincent returned home to work with the Zambia Golf Union, starting a junior golf academy and travelling with the national team, before he decided to move to the USA to follow his dream of becoming a PGA Tour pro.

While he has yet to play against any of the top players, he was invited to walk alongside Tiger Woods during a practice round after meeting his caddie Joe LaCava at a golf event.

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Lecturer Fraser Hutchison said: “During Vincent’s time at SRUC Elmwood, I remember him being an enthusiastic student as well as being committed to developing his playing skills. He was also a super long hitter, which is essential in the modern game.

“All the golf staff at Elmwood wish him well in his pursuit of a playing career.”