Are you a sports person?

Mar 4 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

I enjoy all sports and play, football, cricket, tennis . . but I do not excel like at golf.

Where did you hit your first golf balls?

St Michaels Jubilee when I was about six. My dad took me there and I watched him and he let me have a go and I never looked back. I loved it from the start. I have a photograph of myself from around that time. My dad used to take me every Saturday. He used to play with his mates and he took me into a field there to hit golf balls. I started playing with the juniors at St Michaels until I was about 14 when I joined Mersey Valley.

Are you a golf addict?

Yes. I do think about golf far too much, even before I go to sleep at night. I buy the Daily Post for its golf coverage and I watch golf on the telly and I buy Golf Monthly. Really anything I can get my hands on. I have a practice net in the back garden to use before I go to work and when I come home. If it is dark then I can see in the garden by putting the light on in the back room. I putt on the carpet in the living room. My mum goes mad about it!

How often to you play?

In the summer, about six times a week on average. In the winter at weekends and I have this practice net in the garden.

What would improve your game?

My weakness is probably driving off the tee. I hit the ball far but it is not always straight. Also my short game, compared with the professionals. From 100 yards in.

What was your greatest golf moment?

Probably playing in the Silver Goblet at Royal Birkdale last year. It was balloted out at 0.0 and I was plus 0.3 at the time. I did not play well but I enjoyed it. It was an awesome experience.

Do you have a golf moment you prefer to forget?

About three years ago when I was a member at Widnes I was playing in the second round of the club championship. I was doing well and then at a par-five I went out-of-bounds twice and had an 11. I came second by a couple of shots.

Favourite golf course?

Royal Birkdale because of the history of the place. It is awesome. I hope to play in the Silver Goblet again this year, the week before the Open. I like Sandiway, too.

Who do you most admire?

Same as everyone I suppose, Tiger Woods. Golf has sometimes been seen as an old man’s game but he has made it for the younger generation, a lot cooler. Also Sevvy Ballesteros. Sometimes he has been a bit like me, all over the place!

What was the best golf advice you have been given?

Don’t stop trying. Follow your dream.

As a club champion, what would be your tip to a beginner?

Never give up.

Do you have a golf dream?

To turn professional. I may never get there but I am going to try. I do not want to get older and wish I had tried to do it.