Davies hopes to cap big year
Some sportsmen just have inner confidence, but Welsh golfer Rhys Davies clearly does not mind voicing his.
Some sportsmen just have inner confidence, but Welsh golfer Rhys Davies clearly does not mind voicing his as he chases his first European Tour title.
After taking the halfway lead at the Hassan Trophy in Morocco yesterday Tour rookie Davies was wished a friendly “good luck, play well” at the end of a television interview.
“Thank you. I will,” replied the 24-year-old, who after rounds of 68 and 64 at Royal Dar Es Salam in Rabat goes into the weekend 13 under par and two ahead of South African Louis Oosthuizen and Ryder Cup pair Ignacio Garrido and Thomas Levet.
His self-belief is well-placed. Only two weeks ago Davies finished third in the Malaysian Open and with Italian Francesco Molinari the only world top 50 player in this week’s field he sees a clear opportunity to make his mark.
Three years ago the former British boy champion was in the same Walker Cup team as Rory McIlroy at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland.
He had also played in the match in 2005, but while McIlroy was an instant hit in the paid ranks Davies failed to make it through two trips to the qualifying school.
“This time last year I didn’t really have any status in Europe,” he said, “but I managed to get a win on the Challenge Tour and everything sort of spiralled from there.
“It’s been really good the last 12 months. I am feeling very confident – you play golf to play well and to get to the top of the leaderboard.
“I think if you don’t enjoy it at the top you wouldn’t really want to do it.”
His round yesterday was the lowest of his Tour career so far, but Oosthuizen, three times a runner-up on the circuit and three times a winner in his home country, matched it.
Spaniard Garrido’s second successive 67 and Frenchman Levet’s 65 took them into a share of second place, but first round leader Nick Dougherty slipped back into a tie for fifth when he could add
only a 69 on the shorter Blue course to his seven under 66 on the tougher Red.
The final two rounds are both on the par 73 Red and now it is professionals only after two days of a pro-am format.
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy bemoans ‘ugly year’ and seeks solution to divide in golf world
The arrival of Saudi-backed LIV Golf series has fractured the game in 2022.
-
NewsOn this day in 2014 – Europe retain Ryder Cup with Gleneagles victory
The Gleneagles victory was Europe’s eighth win in 10 matches.
-
European Tour‘Is this where I am going to die?’ Nicolas Colsaerts on kidney disorder battle
The Belgian is the focus of attention this week as he belatedly defends the Cazoo Open de France title he won three years ago.
-
Ryder CupOn this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe team
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
LIV GolfOpen champion Cameron Smith wins first LIV trophy in just second start
The world number two is the highest-ranked player to join the rebel series.
-
European TourRobert MacIntyre beats Matt Fitzpatrick in play-off to win Italian Open
MacIntyre birdied the first extra hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
European TourMatt Fitzpatrick holds narrow lead ahead of final round at Italian Open
Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai are one shot off the pace.
-
European TourRory McIlroy picks up the pace to claim lead ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick in Rome
McIlroy’s group looked unlikely to complete their second rounds after taking three hours to play nine holes.
-
NewsMatt Fitzpatrick leads way at Italian Open despite ‘inconsistent’ display
The US Open champion held a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tom Lewis,
-
European TourRory McIlroy rues a late night until eagle gets him flying in Italian Open
The four-time major winner was only a shot behind leader Matt Fitzpatrick after the first round of the Rome event.