Evans shows great golf in international arena

The Staplecross-based rising star gave a tremendous account of himself in the Celtic Manor Wales Open on the European Tour.

Although he missed the half-way cut by three strokes, 20-year-old Evans finished in a share of 95th position out of 150 at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport.

What's more, his two-over-par total of 140 was three less than two-time US Open champion and world number 10 Retief Goosen.

Evans' combined score on Thursday and Friday, last week, was also better than playing companions Craig Smith (141) and Taichi Teshima (142).

The member of Rye and Sedlescombe Golf Clubs wound up on the same mark as 2006 winner and Ryder Cup ace Robert Karlsson, plus 1999 Open runner-up Jean van de Velde.

Moreover, Evans was comfortably the best-placed of the three amateurs in probably the strongest field the 1.5m event has attracted during its seven-year history.

He may well have done even better had it not been for a disastrous start to his opening round on Thursday afternoon.

Evans was due to start a tournament screened live on Sky Sports at 2.30pm, but ended up going out quite late in the afternoon following a two-hour rain delay.

He completed the front nine holes in a six-over-par score of 41 after a costly triple bogey eight on the par five third. But he fought back superbly to end the first day on +3 courtesy of birdies on 10, 12 and 18 for an excellent inward half of three-under-par 31.

Starting from the 10th tee on Friday morning, Evans recovered from bogeying 11 with a spectacular run of birdies on 12, 13, 16 and 17 to sit level par for the competition.

A bogey on 1 was offset by a birdie on 3 and, although he dropped shots on 5 and 6, Evans still completed the Roman Road course in a splendid one-under-par 68.

His father, Glyn, said: "He now knows that he can compete at that level and knows he has the game to do well. In terms of his personal development he has taken a big leap forward this week."

He qualified for the Celtic Manor Wales Open by virtue of winning the Faldo Series at the same venue last Autumn.

Evans' one previous appearance in the professional ranks came in the corresponding event two years ago when he finished 155th at 15-over-par.

Next up for Evans, who is sponsored by Mick Maplesden, is the St Andrews Links Trophy - one of amateur golf's foremost tournaments - from today (Friday) until Sunday.