Shropshire Star

Ashley Chesters still grounded at the Open

Who knows what outcome awaits Shropshire golfer Ashley Chesters on this, the week of his sporting life.

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But, whatever happens, he will return to his Wem home safe in the knowledge that he has remained true to his character.

From the moment the latest talent to be produced by the Shropshire & Herefordshire golfing conveyor belt began to showcase his ability in his early teenage years, Chesters has always been renowned for his laid-back approach.

Make no mistake, this plus-four handicapper has the drive and desire to succeed, a prerequisite of the DNA of any elite sportsman.

High-profile victories such as the European Amateur Championship and Lee Westwood Trophy are testament to that. But Chesters has always been noted for taking everything within his stride.

It is an attitude he has carried through his preparation this week.

It would have been easy for Chesters to chase the dream over the last 72 hours, courting practice rounds with superstars from the game and feasting on the trimmings that accompany a Major championship.

His approach has been anything but. Media duties have been largely left to those more accustomed to dealing with the world's press.

Business as usual has been the mantra.

"I qualified for The Open almost a year ago but didn't really give it much thought up until last month," said the 24-year-old.

"I know that I'm living every golfer's dream but I also want to keep it as normal as possible. All I'm focused on is playing well and if I can do that, we will see where it takes me."

Making the cut will be Chesters' first goal and, should he achieve that, joining an illustrious list of Silver Medal winners, for the leading amateur, would then become a realistic target. Should he handle the occasion, the pedigree is there for Chesters' to achieve both goals.

A scratch golfer by 14, Chesters was part of the England under-16 squad less than two years later and has remained in and around the national fold ever since.

Ron Snelling, former Shropshire & Herefordshire chairman of junior golf, championed the Chesters cause far and wide as county junior and senior titles began to accumulate.

Part of the first Shropshire & Herefordshire team to to lift the Midlands League title, ironically with his father Nigel as captain, Chesters became an increasing influence in the stellar amateur events. He reached the last 16 of the British Amateur Championships in 2011 before his epic European triumph last year and second-place finish in the Brabazon Trophy a few short weeks ago.

"There have been ups and downs like with every golfer but I've always tried not to get too high or too low," he added.

"It's been fantastic being a member of Hawkstone Park because I live less than a mile away from the course so practice is easy, and the people involved with Shropshire & Herefordshire have always been great with me too."

Away from the course, Chesters works for the family business, BCW Agriculture, and spends much of his spare time indulging his other sporting passion, football, most notably as a season ticket holder at his beloved Manchester United.

For this week, however, his Theatre of Dreams will not be Old Trafford but Hoylake – where an unassuming golfer from Shropshire will take the quiet approach to pitting his wits against the world's greatest.

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