Steven Tiley has admitted that becoming a father for the first time last month has given his life a new meaning as his good form since a return from ‘paternity leave’ continued at the D+D Real Czech Challenge Open.
The Englishman finished the opening day at Kunetická Hora Golf Club two shots off the lead after a six under par opening round of 66 left him in tied third place.
Tiley has been on a much-needed good run of form of late, finishing tied fourth at the Challenge de Catalunya on his return from a break after the birth of he and his fiancée’s first child before recording a tied 15th place finish at the ALLIANZ Open de Lyon last week.
He credits his run of form to his becoming a father and admits that his life has been turned upside down by his bundle of joy.
“While I was off, every time I looked at the Rankings I was slipping down and down so I didn’t take it too easy after the baby was born,” said the 30 year old.
“The baby has been such a good thing in my life. There was so much relief and joy that the mother and child were both healthy – that was always the main concern – and as soon as that was OK, everything was great.
“Then when I did come back and play golf I felt great about it and it puts a whole new meaning on life. I never thought it would but it has so it’s been great.”
Now he is focussed on taking advantage of his good run of form and trying to build towards the Apulia San Domenico Grand Final by moving from his current Rankings position of 53rd to inside the top 45.
“I spoke to my coach before I came back out and our first emphasis was to make the cut in Catalunya and then finish well and keep pressing on.
“As soon as I did well we set the goal for the Grand Final but I know I will need a couple of really good finishes out here because the gap is big now.
“I just have to go out there and play, I have nothing to lose. It’s very early in the week. We’ve only played 18 out of 72 holes but I’m playing well enough and I’ve shot some low scores so I just have to keep doing what I’m doing.”
