"I was born in Leicester but moved down to Maidstone at a very young age and have been living there ever since.

I originally started golf at around age 5, I don't remember much of this but apparently I was staying at my nan's house and was being my typical self - a complete nuisance...
 
In an attempt to keep me quiet my nan took me down to a local driving range and since I hit my first ball I have been completely obsessed with the game.

I joined my first golf club at the Ridge around aged 7, and then moved down to Chart Hills at about 15 years old.

Over the years I have been fortunate to play in all of the top end amateur competitions, including the British Amateur Championship and the English Amateur Championship.

During my time as an amateur I represented England at 3 different age groups and in 2005 was named the England boys captain."

Now for the questions...

How did you get into golf?

 As mentioned I started because of my nan, since that first shot I started attending a Saturday morning clinic at Langley Park driving range; this led to me eventually joining the Ridge golf club at age 7 and I have played with deep enthusiasm ever since.

What do you love most about the game?

 I'd have to say the fact that it is always different, its not like football where you play on the same sort of pitch all the time, the conditions are always different. Even at the same course, its always changing and you have to evolve your game to adapt to the conditions. You can play one day and there will be no wind so it comes pretty easy, the next day could be blowing a 20mph wind and you need to flight your ball and really play to the conditions. I can't think of many other sports with the versatility of challenges presented in golf. The other thing I love is that you are always your own biggest competition.... its down to you; there is no blaming your opponent or team mates. Golf really shows what you are made of when times are tough.
Who is your favourite player and why?

 My favourite player at the moment is Luke Donald, I think he represents everything the game should be about. He is a great player and has an elegant swing, but it is his attitude that stands out. Young players should really take note; he is a complete gentleman and he seems unfazed all the time - he just goes about his business. If you look at him and Kaymer they are both very similar, I think they realise that getting angry uses up energy and you need to conserve all the energy you can for playing. That's why you see a lot of guys who have calm demeanours at the top of the game. Of course there are exceptions but the top of the rankings is usually dominated by guys who realise getting angry and upset is wasteful behaviour.

What is your best personal golfing memory?

 I have a couple of great memories in golf. One would be leading the England boys' team to a win in the home internationals as captain in 2005. I remember walking down the fairway on the last day in the last game and seeing one of our lads (James Watts) make a great birdie to win. It's amazing how much more nervous you are when all you can do is watch, but having won my match earlier on I knew that was all I could do and the feeling of winning as a team was awesome. Obviously the other one has to be walking down the last fairway in the Open in 2008. I made it to the Sunday which was great for me, and to be walking down that last fairway as an amateur - even though there was no money in it for me - was an immense feeling. It's something I draw upon on a regular basis and keeps me hungry for success.

What advice would you give to people learning the game?

 I think the main advice I would give is to really learn the fundamentals first, but then from there; realise that there is a lot of individuality in golf. I think people get caught up in the notion of a perfect swing and it just doesn't exist. If there was only one swing that worked then golf would be boring, everyone has their individual tweaks and movements - it's what makes golf interesting. Another thing I would say is practice short game more than anything; the saying 'drive for show, putt for dough' is so true. The greens are where all the money changes hands. Don't try to hit it 300 yards all the time; holing out from 6ft every time will make you a much better player.

Do you ever find it hard to maintain your enthusiasm for the game?

  No, never... I think in golf there is always a search for perfection. I've never walked off the course and thought.. 'there is no way I could ever shoot a lower score than today'.... and this is what keeps me going. You always feel like you can do better, shoot lower scores and this keeps the drive going. I find it very frustrating at times - I spent four years in the States at college up until this year, so it has been hard coming back to the English winter, but I guess it makes you appreciate a nice day that much more.

What products do you use and what products are you interested in?

  I currently use Titleist throughout my bag. I have the new 910 D2 driver, with the new 3 wood and hybrid to match. I have the Titleist 710 cb irons which are brilliant and they are one of best sets they have made. I also have a white hot two ball putter, it is the original model and is still one of the best putters around. I'm interested in golf clothes a lot at the moment, its amazing how even clothes are evolving. I like the traditonal look but there is certainly an emphasis on making golf clothes more fashionable while making them easy to swing in. I always enjoy looking at golf websites to see what the latest clothing styles are. Right now it seems to be the brighter the better....

What do you think of the new Leaderboard website?

  The Leaderboard website looks great, people should definitely visit it. It has up to date golf stories such as current US tour and European tour scores and leaderboards, and it has a lot on current golf equipment and user guides. It also has player bios and video tutorials for golfers of different levels. If you are trying to get tips or the latest golf scoops, this is definitely the place to go.

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Thanks to Tom for talking to us - the whole Leaderboard team would like to take this opportunity to wish him luck for the future.