Home advantage could be key for Doran

Young Irishman Stephen Doran hopes a bit of local knowledge could prove decisive as he goes toe-to-toe with some of Wales’ finest golfers in the Welsh National PGA Championship.

The tournament, the oldest event on the PGA national schedule having first being competed for in 1904, has attracted a stellar field, each with their sights firmly set on capturing one of the most prestigious titles on The PGA’s calendar.

Ryder Cup star Philip Price and ex-European Tour player Sion Bebb (Vale) are just two of the players with top level experience who will hope to make their mark on this year’s £10,000 Asbri-supported final.

But to claim victory, the big names will have to prosper in Doran’s back yard. The 26-year-old assistant, who has been based at host course Royal St David’s for the last 18 months, is planning on making his experience around the 119-year-old links course count when play gets underway between 17-18 October.

“Obviously it’s a very strong field,” he explained. “My first goal is to make the cut, and then in the second round all you can do is make sure you do your best.

“It’s a good opportunity, and just to have the chance to play is a positive. I worked in the Irish region before moving here and I never managed to qualify for their national event.”

Doran feels the course at Royal St David’s could produce casualties, as the players adapt to playing one of the most challenging links courses Wales has to offer.

He said: “I think the guys who have the experience of links courses could find they have an advantage.

“It’s not a particularly long course, but that doesn’t make it any less challenging. The rough is tricky and the greens are quick. I think you could find that the weather has a massive impact on how the tournament is played out.”

Ryder Cup-winning captain Ian Woosnam and Ryder Cup captain and player Brian Huggett are among the famous names to have won the tournament, yet regardless of the result Doran wants to remain level-headed as he contemplates the next period of his career.

“I’ve been enjoying my golf recently,” he said.  “I’ve got one year left on my PGA training and after that I would like to stay on with Royal St David’s.

“There’s always work to be done here, and I spend a lot of time coaching as well.

“It’s such a prestigious course with great characteristics, I really do enjoy being here.”