Rhys Davies is relishing the prospect of playing on home soil in the Saab Wales Open - and keen to go one step further than last year.
Only a brilliant final round 63 from Graeme McDowell denied Davies victory at The Celtic Manor Resort 12 months ago.
The Welshman, who turned 26 last week, has few complaints about the outcome, and takes great pride from his second place finish in an event that remains close to his heart despite that disappointment.
“I’ve been looking forward to it for quite a while,” he said. “It’s good to come back to play your home national event, your home Open.
“Graeme played slightly better than me on the week and was a deserved winner. I did what I could do and it just wasn’t quite enough. Hopefully I can go a little bit better this week.”
Davies, who held the clubhouse lead on the final afternoon last year after shooting a sensational course record 62, will wake up tomorrow knowing there is increased expectation on his shoulders.
Not that it will bother him. Indeed, he is eager to harness the extra support that will come his way at a venue he knows so well.
“I try and use it as a positive and see them on my side,” he said. “They want me to do well, just like I want to do well. It has got to be a good thing.”
Thomas Björn is another who holds fond memories of The Celtic Manor Resort, having served as a Vice Captain to Colin Montgomerie during Europe’s thrilling Ryder Cup triumph last year.
He admits it is easy to allow thoughts to drift back to that memorable weekend, but is doing his best to focus on the week ahead.
“It’s nice to be down here,” said the Dane. “For everybody that was involved in The Ryder Cup, it’s good memories.
“Obviously a lot of minds go back to October last year. But I think in general the players are trying to concentrate on this week.”
Björn speaks highly of the course, and his kinds words were echoed by John Daly - on the American’s first trip to the Principality.
“I’ve been all over the world; I’ve never been to Wales. It’s good to be here,” he said. “It’s a wonderful golf course. The people are nice, the food is good, so how can you go wrong.”
Daly, a man familiar with the front pages of the newspaper as well as the back during a colourful career, may never have visited Wales before, but he is hoping playing in Britain has its usual effect on him.
“I always love coming over here. I feel more at peace. I can work on my game a little more without the distractions. It’s just more peaceful - more laid back.”
