Dave Coupland will return to European Tour more 'confident and comfortable'

Dave Coupland will return to the European Tour more ‘confident and comfortable’.

Last year’s debut was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, but after competing at a number of events across the globe the 34-year-old believes he has picked up some vital experience.

“I think, going on last year, I definitely feel more confident and comfortable on Tour, which is going to help me,” said the Boston golfer, who is attached to Woodhall Spa GC.

“I’m looking forward to it. It was a good experience last year.”

Coupland admitted to feeling panicked as coronavirus saw a number of tournaments cancelled in 2020, fearing he may be unable to retain his Tour card.

But after learning all of last year’s categories would be honoured in 2021, he returned to the course able to continue learning the ropes without fear.

“We weren’t told the category was carrying over and it was a bit of a panic, thinking ‘will I keep my card?’

“It wasn’t ideal but common sense prevailed and they carried them over this year, which has turned into a massive bonus.

“If you knew you’d have to try and keep your card with just X amounts of events it wouldn’t have been fair and you’d be panicking all the time.

“To get that chance to perform without any pressure as such it was a good feeling.”

That freedom allowed Coupland to record his best result of the year, finishing ties for ninth in the English Championship at Hertfordshire’s Hanbury Manor - with partner Katy by his side.

“I think the whole experience was good, being able to get out and keep playing. I was very lucky,” Coupland added.

“The highlight of the year was probably my best finish - ninth at Hanbury Manor.

“I had the other half Caddying for me so she keeps reminding me that’s my best finish of the year with her on the bag.

“I haven’t really got an excuses to sack her now.”