in association with

 

Name: Paul Llewellyn
Age: 39
Handicap: 13
Caddy: David Williams
Score: 36
Occupation: Landscaper
Home club: Drayton Park
History: 1st Time in the TT

Congratulations on your win as the TT Oxfordshire Champion! How does it feel?
I have to be honest, it has been a bit of a whirl wind, the day went by in a flash! From not scoring in the first two holes to getting in the shootout and then into the 3 hole playoff. The emotions were very up and down all day. The closest to the pin was a big adrenaline rush, followed by an even bigger adrenaline rush of the playoff. It was a good end to a hard working day.

The emotions were very up and down all day. The closest to the pin was a big adrenaline rush, followed by an even bigger adrenaline rush of the playoff.

What made you enter the TT?
Well a colleague had mentioned it to me, I did some research on it and started watching it on Sky Sports and thought I’ll give it a shot. I thought to myself if I am to give it a go I would have to practice and work hard at my game. I did not want to go out there and embarrass myself and my family. They have been backing me, especially my wife, she has not seen me in about 4 months where I get up early to go to the gym and then after work head straight out to practice. So I owe her a big thanks.

 

What made you choose The Oxfordshire?
I hit quite a long ball, so I picked a long course….also its just over an hours away from where I live which was quite handy. The essential thing was picking the right course which suited my game.

 

Tell us about your day. How did you feel you played?
I didn’t start very well… the first tee shot was fantastic, straight down the middle but then unfortunately I shanked one straight into the lake. I didn’t really recover from that.  I didn’t score on the first two holes. I was actually quite embarrassed then my caddy Dave really steadied me up. He said we had 16 holes left in the tournament and I was more than capable of doing it. By the 12 hole we was at 25 points which was tied with the best through at 12. I was back in with a chance! I didn’t play the best I would compare to at my home club, but then again it is a different atmosphere. 

by the 12 hole we was at 25 points which was tied with the best through at 12. I was back in with a chance!

Have you played in many other Amateur championships?
I haven’t I have played in a few pro-am’s with my professional friend Matt, but there not really in the same scope. When you’re out there you’re on your own and it’s only you hitting the ball. It’s completely different when you have got a professional as a backup.

How did you cope with the cameras on the day?
The first tee is very, very nerve racking, all I wanted to do was make connection with the ball and get it down the course. The pressure really kicked in towards the end when the cameras came back round again. You just become aware of them, I didn’t want myself to look like a fool and certainly didn’t want to end up in the outtakes.

I didn’t want myself to look like a fool and certainly didn’t want to end up in the outtakes.

Where is your trophy now?
My trophy is at home, next to my bed. It will remain there until my wife says enough is enough and moves it.

 

 

 

 

 

Did you ever think you would get this far?
All I wanted to do was get into the top 10. That was my aim, to qualify for the final.

 

 

What are your thoughts on the final?
Well now as a regional champion, I want to get into the top 4. I feel I have to. We will see how the day goes.

 

 

Tell me about your background.
I used to play football for a number of years and went into engineering when I injured my foot twice. It’s only been in the last 5-6 years that I have taken up golf. I was a member at Drayton but then I took 2-3 years out to work on starting my own business. So I had 3 years away from the game and have had to go through the whole system of getting back into it. My aim now is to get my handy cap as low as possible.

 

 

How did you find the clothing?
The clothing was very good, on the day there were lots of completely different colours which I didn’t even realise were available. My wife has since said to me that when it comes around next year she wants to help me pick because there were some really nice clothes.

 

 

 

 

 

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
There are three which come to me straight away. Number one would be the birth of my two kids, marrying my wife Sarah is another one, they are big massive things in my life really. In regards to sports and golf, defiantly it would have to be the TT. It’s the best thing I have ever done. In golf there is no comparison.

 

Describe yourself in a sentence.
Personally I can’t do anything by half. I have to it to its limits. I’m a very passionate and emotional guy. When I’m doing something, even cooking a meal, I have to make sure it’s the best I can do. Some people may say slightly over the top.

 

What's your motto in life?
Be the best you can be, because at the end of the day if you have tried your best you cannot do any better than that.

Who is your golf hero?
Shot wise it would have to be Seve but I have to be honest I am a big Tiger fan. Tiger when he was on his game was amazing and I’m hoping he pulls it around.

Last words for William Hunt?
He is a guy who care’s, and is a great inspiration. I would be the first person to invite him to my club for a round. Everyone I met in the TT made me feel very welcome.

 

To view the full results of the day click here.