Davies follows in father’s footsteps

Cwmbran amateur golfer Tom Davies is set for his biggest round of golf since his father, a former European Tour player, handed him his first set of clubs 14 years ago.

The 23-year-old (right), son to Glyn Davies whose career highlight came when he appeared in the same field as Seve Ballesteros at the 1984 Open Championship, will play in the final of the Lombard Trophy over Gleneagles’ King’s Course on September 2-3.

Davies, who works for his dad at the family’s car dealership, will tee up alongside his Celtic Manor PGA Professional Ashley Williams (left) for the £43,600 showpiece.

The duo won their regional final at Lambourne to qualify for the main event, and are one of just 16 teams to have claimed a place ahead of more than 700 other entrants.

Their reward will be to walk the corridors of Gleneagles just three weeks before Rory et al visit to take part in the Ryder Cup.

Davies only returned to golf 18 months ago after a spell away from the sport to focus on his work.

But the 15-handicapper, who will be flying straight to the resort on his return to Britain following a holiday in Alicante, is hoping that recent work on the practice ground will more than make up for his time off the course.

“I have been putting a lot of work in on my swing and grip since the regional final,” he explained. “I’ve been getting out on the course at least twice a week, just trying to make sure that I’m ready for the final.

“I haven’t had much chance to play with Ant, but we have been talking regularly and he did sort me out with a new set of custom-fit wedges which should hopefully help when I’m out there on the course.

“It’ll be my first time at Gleneagles so I’m not too sure what to expect, but the course does look tricky – I’m sure as long as we get decent weather we’ll be fine.”

Having golf in the family certainly helped Davies get a foot-hold on the sport, his father a positive and at times restraining influence as the youngster tried to develop his game.

“I remember growing up my dad was always very keen for me to make the right start in the game.

“He would take me to lessons regularly, but they would always be with teaching professionals and not with him – I think partly because he knew I would never listen to him!

“I remember for two or three years he refused to let me go onto the course and made me stick to the range.

“That was because I had a friend who played golf too and he was slightly better than me.

“My dad knew that if I went out on the course I would do absolutely anything to beat him, and that may have included spoiling my swing.

“But all the advice he gave me certainly helped, and has allowed me to build on my game now I am back playing golf.”