Stuart Manley

Which players did you particularly look up to when you turned pro?

Like many young Welsh golfers at the time I was a huge fan of Ian Woosnam. He was such a tenacious player. In my later amateur career and early professional years I was mentored by Phillip Price. We are still very close friends today.

Is it true you had trials with Manchester United - and if so, was there ever a situation where you had to decide between golf and football?

[Laughs]. Yes, that’s true. I had trials with them when I was a 12-year-old. I tried out as a right-back with Lee Sharp [who would go on to play 193 games for the club] but wasn’t selected. I signed for Swansea City for two or three years and then had a year with their rivals, Cardiff City. But by the age of 16 I didn’t have a contract with either and realised there was no future for me in football. From there golf took over and I have no regrets.

You’re a Cardiff City fan - will they stay up this season and what are your thoughts on the new manager?

They’ll stay up in the Premiership but it will be by the skin of their teeth! It was a shame how the old manager [Malky Mackay] was treated, but the club is in good hands with Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, providing he is allowed to manage without meddling from the directors’ box!