Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Lawrence Donegan

Add another name to the list of impressive young Europeans

Rhys Davies plays a shot from the 12th hole on his way to winning the Hassan Trophy in Rabat
Rhys Davies plays a shot from the 12th hole on his way to winning the Hassan Trophy in Rabat. Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Whenever a young(ish) player wins on the European Tour or the PGA Tour, the temptation to anoint them the "next big thing" is almost irresistible and usually misguided. However, I don't think it is taking too much of a risk to suggest we will be hearing a lot more in future years about Rhys Davies, who won the Hassan Trophy in Rabat on Sunday.

Davies had a terrific amateur career, winning the British boys championship and twice playing in the Walker Cup (he won both his singles matches). He turned pro after the 2007 Walker Cup at Royal County Down but missed his card at Q-school later that year. Amateur sports psychologists would say his response to that disappointment - winning twice on the Challenge Tour and now this win in Morocco - suggests he has a strong mind to go with his strong game.

Watching the final round from Morocco, it was impossible not to notice just how comfortable Davies looked when he found himself in the lead. Chalk another one up for the production line of talented young European players.

As for our friends across the water? Well, there is Dustin Johnson and Ricky Fowler, obviously, and then there isn't that much else to get too excited about, although I've always have a soft spot for Spencer Levin.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.