Golf: Rhys Davies out to make a mark on home soil

May 15 2008 by Anthony Woolford, South Wales Echo

IT’S 12 months since Rhys Davies lived the American dream playing two rounds in the US Open at Oakmont while still an amateur.

Since joining the paid ranks last October, travelling the world in search of competitive action has provided something of a wake-up call for the 24-year-old.

But for the rest of May it’s clean sheets and the comforts of his Bridgend home as he contemplates his professional bow on British soil at the £1.8m Wales Open at the Celtic Manor.

And the Walker Cup man, whose globetrotting in 2008 has taken in China, South Korea and Abu Dhabi, cannot wait to be mixing it with Open champion Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke and Bradley Dredge at the home of the 2010 Ryder Cup.

“I’ve been fortunate to get an invite to the Wales Open, which I’m grateful for, and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Davies after returning from playing in Beijing last weekend.

“I’m hoping to take advantage of that invite.”

Davies, who re-wrote the East Tennessee State University record books during a trophy-laden final year of his golfing education, has still to get a first hand view of the new TwentyTen layout at the Newport resort, but is excited with reports of the course he’s set to tackle.

“I haven’t seen the new course yet but will do over the next couple of weeks,” added Davies.

“People have been telling me how good it is and I know the amount of time, effort and money has been put into it.

“It’s my first professional event in Wales and that’s something to get up for and enjoy. That hopefully will be the ingredients to me having a good week at the Celtic Manor.

“I know what my abilities are and what I’m capable of and a top 10 on a European Tour event is in that even though fields like the Wales Open are of an exceptionally high standard.

“I know that if I can maintain what I’m doing and build on it gradually I won’t be that far away. And in Wales Open week it would be great to have a bit of home support as local fans will be keen to get a look at the Ryder Cup venue and this is a chance to showcase the 2010 tournament.

“I would love a bit of support down at Newport if it was available because it’s something I certainly appreciate when I’m going around the course.”

And after a hectic schedule in the Far East, Davies’ campaign for the remainder of the summer looks a little bit more mapped out as he bids for a regular European Tour card for next season.

“I’m having two weeks off before then and will take another fortnight after that before getting onto the Challenge Tour for the middle part of their season,” added the former British Boys champion.

“A lot of top players have come through the Challenge Tour onto the European Tour and I want to get myself as best prepared as I can for having a serious go at that. I know if I can get onto the European Tour from that then things can move forward.”

anthony.woolford@mediawales.co.uk