Ross Fisher returns to the scene of one of the greatest moments of his career for this week’s ISPS Handa Wales Open, where he is hoping to turn his impressive recent form into a fifth European Tour victory.
The Englishman was a member of the European team which clinched a dramatic victory in The 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort, outside the City of Newport.
Fisher won two points playing alongside Ireland’s Padraig Harrington as Colin Montgomerie’s men claimed a 14½ – 13½ victory over Corey Pavin’s USA team, so it is no wonder he is glad to be back on the hallowed turf of the Twenty Ten Course this week.
“It’s nice to be back in Wales and a sunny Wales this time, so hopefully we’ll get four good days of sun,” said the 32 year old.
“It’s always nice to be back at a place that holds such fond memories, after The Ryder Cup in 2010 and coming close to winning here last year. I’m delighted to be back in the UK and looking forward to a good week.”
While Fisher has not been able to add to his four European Tour titles since his Ryder Cup debut, he has been on stunning form this season, finishing in the top 35 in all of his seven European Tour appearances thus far.
He will be hoping to hit the ground running as the race for The Ryder Cup begins in Wales this week and maybe go one better than last year, when he led at the midway point of the tournament before entering the final round one shot off the lead en route to a tie for sixth place.
“I really like the golf course and have really fond memories,” he said. “After last year it would be nice to get my own back on it a little bit. I will be out there trying to put in another strong performance this week.
“I feel like the course suits my game and I feel comfortable on it. I like the way the greens roll. Having been away from Europe so much this year, it’s nice to be back and playing some good golf.”
The 2014 Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley will strike the first tee shot in the race for the Gleneagles showcase next year as he plays in the first group, alongside 2012 Challenge Tour Number One Espen Kofstad and 2012 Qualifying School winner John Parry.