Davies puts back story behind him

Gareth Davies ended an agonising wait to reach his first Titleist & FootJoy PGA Professional Championship Final when he won the North East qualifying event at Fulford Golf Club.

Davies, of Sheffield’s Abbeydale Golf Club, graduated from the Assistants’ ranks over a year ago. But a back injury stopped him competing in the event.

The 40-year-old made up for that though by carding a three under par round of 69 to win by one shot at the York venue.

Davies edged out Michael Pilgrim, of Bishop Auckland Golf Club, and Newark Golf Club’s Paul Bagshaw.

They and nine other qualifiers will now go to Little Aston Golf Club in Sutton Coldfield for the £78,000 grand final which is being held between July 24-27.

Davies, head teaching professional at Abbeydale, picked up the Titleist PGA Assistant of the Year award in 2017 after playing on Tour before choosing to become a coach.

But he also showed there is room for the playing side of his career.

“I was delighted to qualify for the final in my first time in the PGA Championship, I really like Fulford, it’s a lovely course,” he said.

“But I had a back injury last year and wasn’t able to play in this qualifier.

“I’ve had three bouts, a couple of problems with the disc, a bit of wear and tear. I’ve had regular physic with a guy in Sheffield who got me going again.

“I think it’s just old age unfortunately! I just need to keep on top of it. But I’ve played Little Aston before and won there in the past.”

Davies had a varied round which included a double bogey as well as six birdies.

“I didn’t hit any particularly bad shots but I missed a few fairways coming in and if you ended up in the rough it was a case of hacking out,” he said.

"I was unlucky a few times and made a double bogey at the 13th hole. But I had a bit of a cushion from the front nine.

“I’m very busy coaching and the only golf I play is the competitive stuff. Maybe I have to temper my expectations sometimes, but I love playing and competing.”

England cricket captain Joe Root is a member at Abbeydale but Davies says his appearances are few and far between in the for obvious reasons.

“Joe’s good mates with our Assistant Tom Perry, we don’t see that much of him but he’s still a member and he’s a great lad, it’s always good to see him, you’d never know he was an England cricketer,” added Davies.