LUKE Groves is relishing his upcoming tournaments after his near miss at the WGM Czech Open.

The South Oxhey golfer, who has been playing for less than ten years, finished on six under par in the Czech Republic at the end of last weekend but lost in the play-off to eventual winner Ondrej Lieser.

The 23-year-old is on his first ever pro year as he took part in the Alps Tour earlier in the year.

“It was great to finish in the lead after the fourth round as I have had quite an up-and-down season this year,” said Groves.

“It was nice for me to get back out and compete and I have started working with a new coach, Matt Belsham.

“I have been working with him for the latter part of the year and I have now broken a lot of barriers.

“It was an interesting experience for me as it was the first time I had been leading in a competition.

“There were some sleepless nights but I had an excellent time there.”

The former Bushey Hall student, who first learned his trade from his dad, is now working towards the European Tour School and also is looking to compete for a Challenge Tour card by the end of the year.

Being the youngest on tour does not phase the golfer but he admits he has had a lot to learn.

He said: “I think it is one of those things you have to adapt to and learn.

“It is more of a mental game rather than feeling inexperienced compared to the others.

“I think I could win any of the events just as much as the more experienced professionals. This is my first year touring, and what I have struggled the most with is getting to the airport on time, so having to wake up at 3am or you miss your flight.

“It is all about experience and I play with a lot of guys who are 26, 27, 28.

“I feel it is good to learn from them and it is a challenge.”

Unfortunately for Groves, personal issues meant he missed events of the Alps Tour during the summer.

But the golfer praised his new coach for how far he has come in one year.

“Having trained with him it has made me a lot more consistent,” said Groves.

“This last few months working with him, it has definitely benefitted me.

“It has made me more course minded as I am now more mentally focused on the courses ahead.”

This is only the second time Groves has competed in the Czech Republic and he believes he can push forward with his career after one of his best finishes on the golf course.

Groves added: “Right now my focus is on building on what I achieved and keeping the momentum.

“I have a couple of competitions coming up and next week I am in Malaga, Spain, to compete.

“So for me it is all about keeping focused on that momentum to push me forward.

“The school tour will be challenging but its is something I am really looking forward to.”

Groves thanked his sponsors RPM Compressors, Danslow Signs, Ping and Titleist for the support they have given him during his golfing journey.

He added that he also owed a great deal to his family and girlfriend, who have helped him both on and off the golf course.