Tour felt like my ‘first day at work’

But after cutting his teeth in the continent’s top tier, he now feels like he belongs.

However, it was a nervy start to the Tour for Coupland, who qualified at November’s Q School before making his bow in Australia in December.

“At first I felt like I had to know my place. It was a bit like the first day at work, keep quiet and only speak when you’re spoken to,” Coupland remembered.

“But I’ve got friends from my amateur golf days who have ben there a few years and, once people get talking to you and you become a familiar face, that changes a bit.

“It’s like you have to serve your apprenticeship.”

But with any job, the more time you spend at work, the more familiar your surroundings become.

Coupland continued: “At tourbnaments like Oman I was playing with some hihgher ranked players and it was nice to rub shoulders with them and chat on the course.

“I’m starting to feel like I belong.”

Coupland had earned £17,000 before the COVID-19 crisis saw his season put on old.

He has learned he will retain his category next year, but hopes to get some vital tournament action in as soon as possible.

“It’s been good to play with a few higher ranked players and pick up some tips,” he said.

“If I can get a few more tournaments in this year it will be a lot less daunting next year.”