WELSHMAN Rhys Davies returns to the Celtic Manor this week for the ISPS Handa Wales Open looking to get back to the stellar form that saw him finish second in the 2010 tournament.

The 26-year-old from Bridgend stormed to a course record round of 62 on the final day two years ago as he charged up the field on the final day and he’s hoping to go one better this week.

Davies has never quite recaptured the sparkling form of 2010 that saw him rewarded with a special role as golf buggy driver to victorious European captain Colin Montgomerie during that year’s Ryder Cup at the Manor.

But with such good memories of the Twenty Ten Course he is optimistic that the tournament, which gets under way tomorrow morning, can kick-start his season.

“It will be a great event this week. It’s a fantastic course here at the Celtic Manor and one I always enjoy playing,” he said.

“The sun is shining and it’s a really strong field so it bodes well for a good tournament and hopefully some big crowds enjoying some great golf.

“We obviously had the Ryder Cup a few years ago and that boosted the profile of this event. That’s great for Welsh golf and hopefully it can continue from strength to strength.”

There has never been a Welsh winner of the event but Davies believes that will come sooner rather than later and possibly this year.

“Myself and Bradley Dredge have gone close in the past and who knows? One of us Welsh aboys could win it this year,” he said.

“There’s a bit of extra pressure at your home Open but I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself anyway. I thrive on the pressure and I’m really looking forward to it. Sometimes you have to be careful you’re not trying too hard to win it.

“You’ve got to try to treat it like a normal event but you’re definitely more excited.

“I’ve had success here in the past and hopefully that can continue this week.

“I always expect to do well. I know I can’t always shoot a 62 but I know I can do well here because I’ve done it before.

“I came back from a long way down on the last day, shot nine under to finish second, so I have very happy memories of this place.”