Going back to earlier in your career, before you turned pro, you played in the victorious Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team in 2003, where you went unbeaten. What are your memories from that event, and how big a step up was it when you joined the pro ranks?
Playing in the Walker Cup team was certainly the highlight of my amateur career, especially getting the winning point to retain the cup. I loved being part of a golf team again - the atmosphere was superb playing in front of huge galleries. Hopefully I can make the Seve Trophy or even in the Ryder Cup in the future.
It was a huge step up joining the pro ranks, but I was lucky to have fantastic support from my family and a good management team. I had generous sponsorship from the Welsh Sports Lottery Fund, which supported towards the end of my amateur career and also through Qualifying School. For some time it was difficult for me to actually believe I belonged [on tour]. I would find myself at tournaments or on the range in awe of the players around me, and it has taken a while to realise I can compete against the guys and deserve to be where I am today.
What recommendations would you give to someone thinking about turning pro?
Always believe in your ability, work hard, get good support and have big dreams!
You’ve successfully gone through Q-School for the European Tour four times in the last decade and played on the Challenge Tour in the years you didn’t make it. What do you put your great start to this season down to?
I have been working with my coach, Neil Matthews at the Celtic Manor Resort, over the past three years to improve my technique. I have also been focusing on the psychological side to golf, which is equally important as a good swing. As a result my confidence has grown as my game has improved. Now I believe I can be competitive [on tour].
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