Hamer hopeful

CHADDERTON Fold’s Martyn Hamer took plenty of positives for the forthcoming season after finishing in a share of third place in the Ryder Cup Wales 2010 Welsh Open Young PGA Professional Championship.

The 23-year-old began the second round of the 36-hole event at Bull Bay, Anglesey, as joint leader after an opening round one-under-par 69.

Hamer, assistant professional at Ellesmere, added a two-over-par 72, to finish one shot behind eventual winner Alex Belt who needed a play-off to land the title.

Indeed Hamer, who had bogeys at the sixth, seventh and 11th holes, came within a whisker of making it a three man play-off.

“I had a 20ft putt at the last to get into the play-off, but the ball shaved the hole,” he lamented.

But it was Hamer’s ability to maintain a challenge in the final group which pleased him most.

He said: “It is only the second time I have been in the last group and I was pleased with the way I handled the pressure.

“I spent three months this winter in Spain where I read a lot of books on psychology.

“I feel better prepared mentally and have never felt as good early in the season as I do this year. I am looking forward to the season more than I have ever done.”

Hamer competed in five tournaments during his spell in Spain - it would have been more but for being hampered at times by a back injury.

He says the benefits of that trip are being seen as he had made a successful start to the season, one in which he has also gained his card to play on the EuroPro Tour.

He had to negotiate two qualifying schools, finishing 19th out of 240 in the second one at Frilford Heath, Oxfordshire.

Hamer, who won £881 for his success in the Welsh Open, says he is fortunate to again be sponsored by Dave Fricker from Touch Stone, a communications company.

“It is very expensive to compete on the EuroPro Tour and without Dave’s help there is no way I could compete in as many tournaments as I do.” he said.