Riccardo Davis making waves as a professional golfer

Wed, Feb 12th 2014, 07:05 AM

If you don't know the name Riccardo Davis, from now on, it might be one you will never forget.Anyone who is an avid golfer in The Bahamas knows the name. For some, the name is synonymous with being one of the most gifted golfers this country has ever seen. Davis has been playing golf since the age of eight and came up through the Bahamas Junior Golf program, representing his country at tournaments throughout The Bahamas and the Caribbean.Davis' passion and talent seem to be a winning formula for his progression in the sport. Attending high school at Saddlebrook Prep Academy in Tampa, Florida helped him to develop his game. He was rewarded for his skill as he received a full four-year scholarship to attend Texas Southern University. In college, Davis' had many accomplishments, travelling throughout the United States competing for his university.Some of his standout moments came during the Shell Houston Pre-Qualifier in 2010, when he shot a 72 and made it into the Open Qualifier two years in a row. In addition to the Shell Houston Open Qualifiers, Davis was a champion in his conference, winning the Louisiana Swac Open with a score of 3-under par and helping his team to win an elusive conference championship.After leaving college it was no doubt that he wanted to play professional golf. Davis knew that the road ahead would not be easy. Since 2011, he has seen his share of obstacles from injuries to just waiting for the opportunity to get his foot in the door. Getting a Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) tour card is never easy - it has to be earned. Finding the right strategy the right plan along with the right team, is key and playing in the right tournaments can see a breakthrough in a golfer's career. Davis' decision to play the "minor leagues" in professional golf is proving to be a wise choice on his part.From 2012 until now, his game has improved, and his belief in his potential, unshaken. Davis played at the Alaqua Country Club, which opened in Longwood, Florida, November 3-5, 2013. With little practice time, Davis travelled a few days in advance in order to get some golf course practice in. During his first round, Davis was able to shoot an even par round putting him in the top 15 scores of the tournament of 132 players.During the second round, Davis came through with a round of 73, 2-over par which was good enough for him to make the cut to play in the final round. Davis was quoted as saying: "I pushed too hard during the third round, came in with a final round of 79."Although the final round was eight shots over par, Davis made the final cut and reaped the financial rewards. He said: "It was a really good feeling to know that I can compete with some of the best golfers out there, and do just as well and even better."What's ahead for the sole Bahamian male professional golfer? He is making waves in the sport, and is positioning himself to get that elusive PGA Tour card. As Davis continues to make strides and work toward his goal of being that top professional golfer in the region and the world, he plans to enter as many tournaments as possible.Davis wants to show the world, that The Bahamas is not only good for track and field, soccer or basketball, or even hosting major PGA or Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tournaments, but also for producing talented athletes in the sporting discipline of golf.

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