Q&A PART ONE
What made you take up golf as a child?
My grandfather was the person who introduced me to the game of golf and was my mentor all through my younger years, teaching me the rules and etiquette but most of all how to swing the club and build the foundations of my game that it is now.
Who inspired you to strive to become a professional golfer?
I would have to say that Nick Faldo was my golfing hero as would most people who started playing when I did. He was at the top of his game and world number 1 winning majors regularly. You have to learn from the best and he was the best.
What were the highlights of your amateur career?
I had many great highlights as an amateur. Winning the British Amateur Championship and holing the winning putt to win the Walker Cup in the same year and also playing in the US Masters as an Amateur the following year.
What was it like to be a member of a victorious Walker Cup team?
It was a great feeling, as it was a memorable victory with lots of great players in both teams, e.g. Paul Casey, Luke Donald, Simon Dyson for GB&I, and Jonathan Byrd, Matt Kuchar etc for the USA team.
Is life on the European Tour as glamorous as it sounds?
Most places we go to are well geared up for tournaments to be held in their country but so many places are still quite a way behind due to their economy and poverty for example India and China to name a few. But we do get to see some great places within those countries, e.g. The Great Wall of China. Also living out of a suitcase week in week out can be quite tough, but who am I to complain I wouldn't change it for the world.
Q&A PART TWO
What are your favourite elements about life as a professional golfer?
I would say getting to play with great players such as Vijay Singh, Geoff Ogilvy, Ernie Els etc. And of cause getting the chance to make good money doing something you really enjoy, although its frustrating at times.
What are the downsides of life as a professional golfer?
Long haul flights are the thing I dislike the most as I'm not such a good flyer so if there was one thing I could change that would be top of my list.
Which tournament do you want to win the most?
I would have said that any tournament would do but now I have won one of the biggest tournaments we play 'The French Open' I would have to say I would love to win a major especially The Open as I have always watched this event since I was a boy.
Is there a particular event on the European Tour calendar that you look forward to?
I try to look forward to every tournament I play and get in the right frame of mind to play my best and compete at the highest level. I love to play all the British Events as the British crowds understand the game the best.
Do you have a pre-event routine or any superstitions related to your game/routine?
Not really I just try to do the same things that are working well for me through out that week and stick to a solid routine.
What are your professional career highlights?
Winning my 1st European tour event and getting to play in the GB&I team in the Seve Trophy.
What do you like to do in your free time and to relax?
I love to watch football especially Liverpool at Anfield which is the best atmosphere I have ever witnessed anywhere in the world.
Q&A PART THREE
What are your favourite TV programmes?
I love to watch old comedies such as Porridge, Only Fools and Horses etc. I have lots of dvd's I take away that entertain me and keep me cheerful.
Which football team do you support?
I support Liverpool and go to as many games as possible. I have supported them since I was a child and wanted to play for them as most kids do, but I think I made the right choice and just support them from the terraces.
Who is the golfer that you would most like to play with at a Tour event?
I have played with most of the top golfers but I would love to one day to get the chance to play with Tiger Woods and see for myself how good he really is inside the ropes.
What is your favorite golf course in the world?
I would have to say Royal County Down in Northern Ireland were I won my British Amateur, it is a tough course but very picturesque at the same time.
What is your favourite food?
I love all foods really but if I was to chose one it would have to be that old English favourite Fish and Chips with mushy peas, oh yes!
What are your future golfing aspirations?
As most top players my target is to one day play in the Ryder Cup but most of all to be the best player I possibly can be and enjoy the success that comes with it all.
