GOLFER Phill Evans has dreamt of donning the famed Welsh dragon on his chest for many a year.
That dream is set to become reality in this year’s Seniors Home Internationals.
The Islander has enjoyed a superb couple of years off-island and his progression up the Welsh seniors order of merit has earned him selection to the Wales senior side.
Evans said: ‘I feel a huge sense of relief, but pride also. Representing Wales for golf has been an aim of mine for a number of years and very few are able to say they have achieved their dreams, so I am very grateful.’
Despite taking a step back to recognise the scale of his achievement – Evans is now firmly focused on the stiff task that the other home nations will present next month.
‘Obviously there is a lot of work to do,’ said the Royal Jersey member.
‘England, Ireland and Scotland have got huge talent pools to select from and are always tough to compete with.
‘But Welsh golf is in a better place than it has been for many years, so it’s an exciting time to join the fold.
‘I have to give a lot of credit to the people who have helped me along the way.
‘My coaches and the players I play with on a regular basis have really helped improve the level of my game.’
Evans has benefitted immensely from travelling to the United Kingdom to test himself against the top senior players in the country.
One downside to living in Jersey is the lack of elite level competition available.
Evans has travelled to the mainland for months at a time to test himself against the best in the business – a decision that has clearly contributed to his Welsh call-up.
He said: ‘I think what I have learned is not necessarily how well the better players score when they are on form – it’s how they navigate their way round when their game isn’t 100%.
‘They are incredibly disciplined on the course and that is something I have taken note of.
‘In the past, I would play my way out of tournaments, but I have adapted and am now able to hang in there on my worse days and still finish the event strongly.’
After achieving his long-term dream, Evans is determined to make sure his Welsh side are not just making up the numbers against the other home nations.
‘Historically, we have been the ‘whipping boys’ of the event,’ said Evans.
‘I want to be a part of that change and I want this team to perform to the best of their ability and that means me also.
‘I believe we can go toe-to-toe with these powerhouses at our best and that’s exactly what we will aim to do next month.’
