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Raise Your Game: Your job?

Brian Davies: To attract more golfers and improve standards of play in Wales. Also, my job is to maximise the benefits of securing the Ryder Cup in Wales in 2010.

RYG: Why this job?

BD: I was playing for Saracens and then worked for the Sports Council for Wales before becoming Welsh Golf Development Manager. I came late as a player to golf, though I always enjoyed watching and hacking about..! This job combines the importance for Wales of securing the Ryder Cup bid and the joy of working in an attractive sport like golf. You know you've made the right decision about a job by your reaction on hearing you have it - I was really excited to learn I had this job.

RYG: How did you get this job?

BD: I did A Levels in Maths, Economics and Physics and went to Swansea University to do Management Science. I was recruited by Ford as a graduate trainee, and then worked at Head Office for Argos in Business Analysis. I then played professional rugby, before joining the Sports Council for Wales.

RYG: Highlights:

• Getting this job!
• Meeting famous golfers - Phil Price, Colin Montgomerie and excellent amateur players like Nigel Edwards who has played in 2 winning Walker Cup teams...and he's Welsh!
• Going to wonderful golf courses with amazing views and challenging courses.

RYG: Lowlights:

• Not having enough time to improve as a golfer...

RYG: Getting a job like this:

• Get a broad range of experience in all sports - not just the one you are specifically interested in. You can bring things from other sports to share.
• You need educational qualifications. Being a good golfer isn't enough!
• Voluntary work is important. You can learn about what is required for your dream job. It looks good on your CV and does you good.
• Get coaching qualifications e.g. for golf, it used to be only the PGA Professional Diploma, but now you can do the Tri-Golf Activator course, the Junior Leader Workshop award and PGA levels 1 and 2 before the PGA Diploma.
• Communication Skills are essential, verbal and written. You need to be able to communicate with a range of people and ensure you are understood by all.
• Believe in the sport you are representing. Golf is great in terms of developing Life Skills and a responsible attitude.