European Tour Insider: Davies' victory spurs Wales' hopes

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Rhys Davies has "every chance of following in the footsteps of Ian Woosnam and becoming our next golfing superstar."

Those are the words of a Welsh star of the past, the former Ryder Cup captain Brian Huggett, having seen his young compatriot claim a first European Tour title at the Hassan II Trophy in Morocco.

The 73-year-old Huggett played with Davies, now 24, some five years ago, and was impressed then. He's all the more impressed now, saying Davies could be "our next Prince of Wales, if you like...and hopefully, a golfing king."

Davies is a former British Boys champion who took up a scholarship at East Tennessee State and twice played the prestigious Walker Cup. Inevitably, big things were expected, though having turned pro in 2007, he had to wait for his chance in Europe, opting instead to make headway on the Asian Tour.

Last season he won twice on Europe's second-tier Challenge Tour, had some eye-catching performances at the higher grade and graduated to this year's upper level. He'd already finished an excellent top-10 behind Martin Kaymer in Abu Dhabi and followed up with a third placed finish in Malaysia prior to the superb win in Rabat.

Davies calls his rise to the top "surreal," and "a bit of a blur," but he certainly believes in his ability, and while admitting to being a "little fiery" on occasion, he's usually very level-headed and controlled. He says he learned from playing alongside the Hansens -- Soren and Anders -- in Abu Dhabi about how to keep your composure and a steady demeanor.

Huggett reckons Davies has a "wonderful temperament" and has marveled at an "absolutely brilliant" putting stroke, saying "it reminded me a lot of the putting stroke of Ben Crenshaw. If he putts for 25 to 30 years like Crenshaw did, he should do all right."

CELTIC CONNECTIONS

With the Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Wales Resort later this season, of course there has been speculation about whether a Welshman can make Colin Montgomerie's team.

That dream of a home hero taking part has, inevitably, grown all the more with Davies' success, but he's quick to play down the possibility, pointing out that "if I can get into tournaments such as the majors then that's when bigger Ryder Cup points will be available."

Davies is up to 81st in the world rankings on the strength of the Moroccan victory, and looking to rise still further via the Open de Andalucia in Malaga.

GOLF SCHOOL

Davies' name could become a familiar one on a school curriculum, too.

Again with the Ryder Cup in mind, schools across Newport -- the city closest to Celtic Manor -- have launched a Cup-themed learning program. It's been tested in a couple of schools and will be rolled out across the city later this year. It features topics from geography to math to event planning and is designed to encourage debates on issues around golf.

Newport's certainly looking to create a legacy after the visit of the biennial competition, and surely the success of the latest Welsh winner can only enhance those aims.

KJELDSEN ON THE CUSP

A player who'd love to play for Europe in October is also keeping a keen eye on the world rankings.

The reigning Andalucian champion Soren Kjeldsen is now one spot outside the all-important top 50, and he's aching to return to top form to ensure his place at the highest level events once again.

So far, it's been a modest 2010 for the former Volvo Masters champion, though a closing 66 at the World Golf Championships-CA Championship is surely a sign of things to come.

Miguel Angel Jimenez co-promotes the Open de Andalucia and on the strength of his victory in Dubai, he's likely to be one of the favorites. That said, there's going to be a lot of demand on his time as a promoter and resident of the host city.

Another of this season's winners, Pablo Martin -- victor at the Alfred Dunhill Championship -- is another local player who's likely to get plenty of support.

KENYA CALLING

I mentioned Europe's second tier Challenge Tour which is up and running again for 2010 after a short break.

The Kenya Open boasts 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman as a former winner, and the event that dates back to 1967 features a host of players looking to follow up Davies' achievement.

Oliver Fisher was the youngest-ever competitor in the Walker Cup when he played along with Davies as a 16-year-old in 2005. He came mighty close to a European Tour win when edged out by Thomas Levet in a playoff for the 2008 Open de Andalucia, but he's now slipped from the main level and is looking to revive his fortunes.

Benn Barham, Simon Wakefield, Rob Dinwiddie and Callum Macauley have also been close to victory at the higher level, but they, too, tee it up on African soil.