Q: What's it like on the Europro Tour?

A: The Europro is a very well organised tour with great rewards for good performances, i.e. Entry to Challenge tour, order of merit points and prize money up to £40,000 - first place £10,000.
I get a great buzz leading up to each event and on the day, the standard is very high with great players playing in it. The field consists of up to 130 players on the first two days and then the top 50 make it into the final day which is also televised on Sky TV two weeks after the event.

 Q: What is your greatest golfing achievement to date?

A: I reached the final stage in qualifying for the British Open in 2008 at Royal Birkdale. This was a great achievement for me and it was very proud moment.

 Q: Why did you chose to take the PGA teaching degree when you turned pro instead of just playing?

A: The PGA degree allowed me financially to stay in the sport I love. It allows me to play as a professional in many smaller tours and I believe the experience of continuous playing will help me to make the bigger step in playing in the European tour. I could not afford to be a playing pro without a major sponsor deal to cover tournament entries, travel and accommodation etc.
Was it very difficult?
The degree was very demanding as it required a lot of work, research and time over a three year period. I had three to four assignments a year, coaching assessments, a written exam at the end of each year plus working 35-40 hours in the shop.

 Q: You've won the County Mixed Championships with your mum, who is also a very competitive and talented
 golfer. What's it like to play together?

A: I have grown up playing golf with my mum and dad where we played competitively and had good fun also. My mum and I have played competitively with each other, winning the county mixed championship in 2005 and more recently in a mixed pro-am in Hertfordshire winning by 6 shots. We make a good team as we are both very competitive and we bring out the best in each other. Both my parents are very good players and I am feel very proud when I play in competitions with them. Golf is probably the only professional sport that you get the opportunity to play in competitions with your family.

 Q: What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done in a competition?

A: I was playing in an East Region event at Bush Hill Park golf club and I hit a shot on the 14th hole a short par four with a dogleg left. I hit a pure 2 iron round the corner but when I got to the green, I saw a friend of mine in the group in front walking funny holding his backside. He looked a bit annoyed and I then saw my ball on the green. He told me it would have gone over the green if it had not hit him. I apologised but I did make a birdie!

 Q: You're also a really good footballer. Why did you choose golf?

A: Before I started my PGA degree, I played football semi professional for Bedford town and I also captained my county team earning trials on two occasions for England school boys. I decided to concentrate on my golf career 6 years ago as I felt I had enough chances at making it as a footballer but felt it was a matter of who you know in the business. At the time I was also enjoying my golf and was playing really well and felt I could achieve more at a higher level; turning professional was my main goal. I have no regrets as golf continues to challenge me.

 Q: Who are your sporting idols and why?

A: Tiger Woods/Eric Cantona
Tiger Woods has changed the game completely. He is a top athlete who prides himself on presentation as well as perfection. It was amazing seeing him play live; his level of concentration is unbelievable. He is also so positive in his own game and believes he can win every tournament he plays and that is why he is No 1 in the world.

Eric Cantona remains my favourite football player of all time. He was the most exciting and unpredictable player in the world. He could win a game with a piece of brilliant skill that no other player would attempt to display at a crucial time.

 Q: What's your favourite club in the bag?

A: My 2 iron as it the club I use of the tee on a tight hole when the pressure in on. I can consistently hit it about 260 yards on a good day.

 Q: You said your ambition is to play on the European Tour. What's the plan for that?

A: My main ambition is to play in the European tour to compete with the top golfers and play on more challenging courses. To do this I need a good season on the Euro tour and have plans to play in more events in 2010. The following year, I then hope to go to tour school to get my card and play in European tour events.

 Q: What do you think about golf in the Olympics? Would you like to play?

A: Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world and watched by millions of people. It involves a lot of skill, technique and stamina. There could not be a better feeling than representing your country and winning gold medal in the sport you love.

 Q: What do you do when you're not playing golf?

A: I like listening to music, playing games on the computer and spending times with my friends. I like to go out for meals and the cinema with my girlfriend. I also have a season ticket at Old Trafford and try get to as many games as possible.

 Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about turning professional?

A: I took a teaching degree when I turned pro and it was the best decision that I made as it has opened up many opportunities in the golfing industry. I could not have pursued my dream of playing as it cost a lot of money to gain your playing rights on the European tour; unless of course you find a major sponsor to support you. The degree has allowed me to play competitively in the smaller tours as well as continue teaching the skills of the game and be involved in the day to day running of golf complex. However; you must be prepared to work hard as it involves a lot of hard work, research and time but the rewards open up many opportunities. The following are some of the areas covered:

Sports Science; Business management; Golf coaching; Tournament organisation and rules; Tournament experience (Playing)