James Looking to Build on Top Start.
JAMES Ashfield is looking to build on one of the best starts to a professional golf career by any Welshman.
The Wales international and Walker Cup player earned an invite to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship immediately after turning professional. He was on the leaderboard for much of the star-studded event, finishing tied 25th after a level-par final round, with a first pay cheque of around £30,000.
The invitation came after one of the most successful amateur careers for a Wales golfer. Ashfield won the European Nations Cup individual title and helped the Wales team secure third place against Europe’s best amateur players.
He also rose as high as fourth on the Global Amateur Pathway, achieving several top-three finishes in amateur events, including a second place at the Lytham Trophy—despite calling a penalty against himself on the 18th and losing in a play-off.
Ashfield, who lives in Pulford on the Cheshire/North Wales border, made his professional debut with an incredible 64 at St Andrews in the Dunhill Links. Such a start rivals the dreams of great Welsh players like Ian Woosnam, Phil Price, and Jamie Donaldson.
“I felt like it could have been better after the way I was playing,” said the 23-year-old. “I was partnered with Jamie Redknapp, and as a big football fan, I couldn’t have asked for a better partner!”
“He made it feel like a round with your mates rather than playing on the DP World Tour. I just need to have him on the bag in the future!
“We were chatting the whole way round, but when it came to hitting a shot, I went back to my pre-shot routine and focus. The final round felt far more intense—it was a different experience being near the final group, and you could sense the atmosphere around you.
“It was a great experience playing with Tommy (Fleetwood) and Haotong (Li), who both have years of experience on tour. I was able to pick their brains when I could.
“A top 10 finish would have got me into the following week as well, but Q School is my priority. Even though the final round didn’t go as well as I’d hoped, I learned a lot and got a decent pay cheque, so it was a nice feeling overall.”
The Delamere Forest player has developed through the ranks of the Wales Golf high performance programme.
“I played for Wales from boys’ level, and as a kid, you dream about getting to this stage,” Ashfield said. “Wales Golf gave me loads of opportunities as a kid, taking me to events that helped me develop and mature.
“Going to big events when I was young made a huge difference. The coaching I received helped me become the player I am today. I still work with Gareth (James) and Neil (Matthews), who have coached me from my early days with Wales Golf.”
Gareth Jenkins, Wales Golf’s director of performance and pathways, praised Ashfield’s commitment:
“James joined us in 2013/14 via the Nursery Squad aged 12 and progressed through the Academy, Regional, and National system. At every level, he’s shown outstanding commitment and desire to improve.
“He’s been a cultural architect, elevating himself while bringing others along to create high-performance cultures. James has represented Wales Golf with passion and quality, and we wish him well for his professional career.”
Although Ashfield missed out on securing his tour card for next year, finishing 63rd at the second stage of DP World Tour Qualifying School in Spain, his future as a professional golfer looks bright.
