Tom has been working with Jeremy Bennett and Jason Froggatt from the De Vere Belfry. There are no psychologists though, after one-off sessions with Jamil Qureshi and John Pates.

'My psychologist is my dad!', laughed Tom.

So what did Tom really think of last year -

'It wasn't like I thought I had stepped back. I just wasn't ready.

'I didn't need to do anything about my confidence. This year is a different challange and you've got to get off it. Its obvious that everyone want to play her, on the main Tour.'

The balance between success and 'relative' failure is significant so the Top 5 in Madeira which has pushed Tom to 11th in the Challenge Tour Rankings (after 5 events)

was a boost to his confidence.

'I injured myself towards the end of last year - I pulled a ligament. But I couldn't afford to stop as there was a chance I could still keep my card.

'There were a number of players like me who missed out and this year's Challange Tour is a good school - players like Richard McEvoy and Jamie Elson. I have another perhaps 15 events to go, with the big ones in Russia and at St Omer.'

There have been changes to equipment for 2005 with a switch to playing Taylormade irons. Tom finds them more controllable than his previous manufacturer, although that company

did all it could to help Tom find the feel he wanted, especially for shots from the semi-rough.

As for the travelling, Tom doesn't stay in his hotel room when he is not playing.

'I don’t mind the traveling - the worst bit is sitting in airports. I get out, when I can. In Barcelona I went to the Nou Camp.'

That brings up the subject of Tom's beloved Blues - Birmingham City.

'They have played OK, and we will probably keep out season tickects for next year. They have settled down after losing some key players.'

So what is key to the game which has made Tom a winner in both Amateur and Professional games?

'Its my imagination round the greens. I can roll three shots into one,something a lot of others don't.

'It comes from playing as a kid, throwing a ball into impossible places and having to find a way to make a score.

Tom will miss the cut at the Marriott Forest of Arden, partly because of an injury which happened during his first round which made it very difficult to hold onto the club. Its a set back but the targets are very clear for the rest of the season.

'I will try for Sunnindale (The Open Championship pre-qualifier) and obviously I want my Tour card back. I'd like to win another Tournament.'

Winning is something that Tom has, a big advantage over many of his fellow competitors. I ask him what its like, notably at Professional level.

'It doesn't feel any different. The first one and you are a bit nervous. I don't think about the money. I just know that if I can win or place highly, then the money will take care of itself.

'The trophy cabinet isn't that big at the moment. Mum brought me a cabinet and my nan has some - and some of Sam's (Sam Walker - Tom's cousin).'

This is a relaxed Tom, but with the desire all too evident. He seems relaxed because he knows that it will take time to get where he wants to do, and the desire because he has set his sights high. This season is a learning one and with all the support he has,

it won't be too long before the results start coming through. Tom should be back on Tour by right in 2006.