The 35-year-old golfer – who is affectionately nicknamed ‘Beef’ –is on the comeback trail after his career was blighted by mental and health issues, most recently a thumb injury that meant he missed the 2022 campaign, and while he was happy with his form at the beginning of the tournament, he was disappointed when things went downhill.

He told Today’s Golfer magazine: “I set the course record, had my best finish since coming back from injury and there were so many positives.

“Yet when I walked off the 72nd hole at the Czech Masters last month, I was gutted.

“I had to have an hour on my own, gathering my thoughts and calming down, trying to get over what might have been.

“48 hours earlier I’d been buzzing. In fact, three hours earlier I’d been buzzing.

“I was right in the hunt for the title as I reached the turn and then bang… bogey, bogey, bogey, out of nowhere.

“No horrendous mistakes, just those fine margins. But within three holes I’d gone from having a real hope of the win to needing to stop the bleeding and fast…

“There’s no doubt that anxiety and pressure played a big part. It’s been so long since I’ve been in that position, playing in the final groups contending for a win.”

The popular sportsman admitted his lack of “match sharpness” also had an impact.

He continued: “I’d felt comfortable all week but suddenly it was like I’d been asked to stand up on a stage and speak to a huge audience.

“The awareness of the situation kicks in, suddenly you’ve got a lie that you’re uncomfortable with and it’s magnified because of the significance.

“Ultimately, every shot you play across the four rounds is equally important – they all count for the same.

“But when there’s a tournament on the line, it just hits differently.

“That’s where match sharpness and experience play such a key role.

“Having only been back for a few months, I know I’m not there yet.”