in association with

Nigel Blackford attributes his triumph at the Trilby Tour Berkshire Championship 2011 to his family - and the calming influence of his wife as caddy.

 

Congratulations on being crowned the Berkshire Champion! How does it feel to come out on top out of a field of over 120?
I'm very shocked to win! I really didn't expect to come anywhere. My aim was only ever to get into the top 10.

I'm very shocked to win! I really didn't expect to come anywhere.

What made you enter the TT?
My brother told me about it - he entered last year and got through to the finals after playing at The Park. He also entered at Old Thorns this year.

What made you enter Donnington Grove?
It was the closest of all the venues to me.

How did you feel you played on the day?
The nerves got me at the beginning as no putts were going in but then the nerves went and I started to relax and my game started to come together. My wife was caddying for me and it really helped. It's the first time I've had my own caddy. She was telling me to keep calm. and after that I was striking the ball better and getting into the zone.

My wife was caddying for me and it really helped. It's the first time I've had my own caddy.

Tell us about your day. How did you feel you played?
On the front 9 nothing was happening, I was measuring the greens but I couldn't get up. I was leaving 6 foot putts and duffing a few shots but on the back 9 I played much better. I shot 12 on the front 9 and 23 on the back 9.

On the front 9 nothing was happening, I was measuring the greens but I couldn't get up.

Where is your cup now?
In the front room underneath the TV

 

 

What was the play off like?
Well by this point I'd been sitting around for 3 hours. I was the first off and I managed to place the ball on the edge of the green. I then one-putted each of the three holes in the playoff. In the end everything came together, it was the best I've played in a long time.

How will you prepare for the final?
I've used up all my holidays now so it'll be about 3 weeks before the finals before I'll be able to get some practice in.

 

 

 

 

In the end everything came together, it was the best I've played for 6 months.

 

What would winning the TT Championship mean to you?
I haven't even thought about it - it would be the greatest golfing achievement! I'm trying not to think about it.

The Trilby Tour is filmed to be aired on Sky Sports. How did playing in front of  the cammeras effect you?
The cameras were slightly off-putting - but you've just got to try not to think about them. The playoff was the hardest point of the day but I'm proud of the way I played.

The playoff was the hardest point of the day but I'm proud of the way I played.

How did you find the clothing?
Clothing was nice - very nice indeed. I've got quite a few items of William Hunt clothing and they're very comfortable to play in.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Winning the Trilby Tour Berkshire Championship.

Describe yourself in a sentence.
Witty, I enjoy life to the full, I'm easygoing and relaxed.

What's your motto in life?
Keep out of trouble!

Who is your golf hero?
Lee Westwood - I've gone to the Belfry a few times and I like the way he plays. He's got a great attitude too and is a friendly guy.

Any last words for William Hunt?
I'm looking forward to seeing him on the 11th August! Hopefully I'll play well and make a good account of myself.

 

To view the full results of the day click here.