Express & Star

Driven Richard Mansell has his sights set on top tour

Richard Mansell is targeting a big year as he embarks on his first full season on the European Challenge Tour.

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The 24-year-old is looking to make major progress this year – and come out with a full European Tour card.

Mansell, from Burntwood, qualified for the European Challenge Tour after graduating from the Europro Tour as one of the top money-earners.

However, he missed out on his main target of a place on the full European Tour – and that is something he is determined to put right this time around.

Mansell – who is based at Beau Desert Golf Club, near Cannock – jets out to South Africa this weekend to play in a series of up to three Challenge Tour tournaments, starting with the Limpopo Championship, in Johannesburg in a week’s time.

“The target is the same as last year,” said the 24-year-old. “I want to get my card for the European Tour, but to do that I have to finish in the top 20 on the Challenge Tour.

“I’m feeling really good right now and I know I have the game to get there. I’ve had a really good winter and I’ve spent a lot of time working on my game and in the gym, it’s down to me now and I feel everything is in place to really push on and have a great year. I’m feeling in great shape – I’ve put on about a stone in muscle mass, which is helping my swing speed, and I’m hitting the ball further, but it’s a case of getting everything right.

“There are so many people with the talent to get to the top, but it comes down to those who can get the extra one per cent here and there to really make the difference.”

Mansell has signed with the Modest! Golf sports management agency – set up by former One Direction singer and golf fanatic Niall Horan – which is also home to Ryder Cup hero and European Tour star Tyrell Hatton. He has also parted with his former coach Liam James after two-and-a-half years and is working with Beau Desert Academy chief Mike Beaumont.

“There was no problem with Liam,” stressed Mansell. “It was just that he is working with players on the European Tour so it was hard to get together because we were in different places.

“I’m working with Mike Beaumont back at Beau now and it’s going really well.

“I’m also in my second year with my caddie Connor Winstanley, I’m a year older with more experience.

“Joining Modest! Golf has also been a big help. They’ve been great for me so far and I’ve signed a couple of deals through them and it’s a good feeling to be with a group like that.

“I think you need that when you get to a certain level – to have the right team around you. I had a really good year last year and I think this year is going to be a really good year too, I’m just really eager to get going now.”

He added: “The target is to be on the European Tour, but to do that you have to be winning tournaments on the Challenge Tour.

“Last year I only played seven Challenge Tour tournaments and I was placed in five of them. I had chances to win, but didn’t quite manage it. That’s the difference. I ended up 64th on the Challenge Tour last year having played only seven times so this year, with a full season to go at I feel I can really have a good go at it.”