Welsh golfer Rhys Davies wins Turkish Airlines Challenge

Image source, European Tour

Image caption, Before turning professional, Rhys Davies played collegiate golf in the United States

Welsh golfer Rhys Davies ended his "horrible" five-year wait for a title with a four-shot victory at the Turkish Airlines Challenge.

A two-under-par 70 at the Gloria Golf Resort in Belek was enough to secure his first win since the 2010 Troph茅e Hassan on the European Tour.

The 29-year-old finished 14 under overall in Turkey to seal a third career European Challenge Tour title.

"It's a bit of a surprise to be honest," said Davies.

"Sometimes it's been really horrible in the last couple of years, I'm not going to pretend.

"It does feel like a long time since I've won, but it's strange that when you get in the mix everything floods back to you."

Davies finished four shots ahead of runner-up Lorenzo Gagli from Italy.

The Welshman's victory capped a significant revival after a difficult few years for the Bridgend player, who was ranked 44th in the world in 2010 before falling to 181st place in 2014.

"It's been quite dark sometimes, but I always felt that if I could get in the mix I could win again. I didn't doubt that to be honest," said Davies.

"But I couldn't see it happening any time soon at various moments.

"I've been very fortunate that a number of people have been very supportive of me during my tough times.

"[Former Ryder Cup player] Phillip Price is one in particular. He's been exceptionally supportive."