Rhys Davies

Had to choose between playing cricket or golf professionally as a teenager, having represented Glamorgan and Wales in the former, and his decision to plump for golf looked a sound one when he captured his maiden European Tour title at the Trophée Hassan II in March 2010. Went on to enjoy a fine rookie season, finishing 18th in The Race to Dubai with a further three runner-up finishes. Was Europe's â??12th man' for The 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort in his homeland. Nearly successfully defended his Trophée Hassan II title in 2011 but lost out to David Horsey in a play-off. Owed his place on The European Tour to a scintillating 2009 season on the Challenge Tour, during which he triumphed at the SWALEC Wales Challenge in July under a sponsor's invitation to secure his first professional title. His triumph in Cardiff made him the first Welshman since Jamie Donaldson in 2007 to win on the Challenge Tour, and he later added the Fred Olsen Challenge de España en route to finishing fourth in the Rankings, despite having played fewer events than anyone else in the top 20. Enjoyed a stellar amateur career before turning professional at the end of 2007, having played in two Walker Cup contests, winning both his singles matches in 2007. Also won the 2003 British Boys Amateur Championship before taking up a scholarship at East Tennessee State University. His collegiate career included ten victories and in 2005/06 his stroke average was the best in the United States.