GOLF instructor Richard Ballard says two weeks of caddying on the European Tour has given him a taste for teaching at the top.

Richard (pictured), who teaches at his Mile End driving range, caddied for Scott Drummond on the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and the Welsh Open at Celtic Manor.

On both occasions Scott missed the cut, but Richard says the experience was hugely beneficial.

He said: "It really makes you realise how good the top players are.

"Scott played really well from tee to green at Wentworth, but didn't putt great.

"At Celtic Manor his putting was a lot better but he didn't hit it so well. His game is basically in good shape though, and I've been helping him with his putting.

"He wants to win again on the European Tour (Scott won the BMW PGA Championship – Europe's flagship event – back in 2004)."

Working as a caddy meant Richard had to arrive at the courses on a Monday to prepare for Thursday starts.

He had to know the courses inside out, right down to the yardages for every shot and the pin positions for each day's play.

He said: "I know Scott's game very well anyway, which is why he likes having me around.

"However, I regard myself as a swing coach not a caddy.

"Although I was never the best putter in the world, a lot of really good players now come to me for short game advice."

Richard has been involved in professional golf for more than 20 years as both a player and coach.

At least half-a-dozen of his former prodigies are now working as professionals themselves, including Craig Jones (Harrogate), Simon Aston (Rolls of Monmouth), Rob Watkins (Celtic Manor), Chris Murphy (Raglan) Stuart Archibald (Forest Hills) and Ian Harrison (Stenner Line cruises). He added: "I'm working with some tremendous young talents right now and it's great that they are prepared to put their trust in me.

"Russ Berry is playing on the Euro Pro Tour and could go all the way. It would be great to coach someone on the European Tour.

"Rory McIlroy has just won the US Open and is widely regarded as having one of the best swings in the world, but he's always stuck with his old club coach Michael Bannon."

Other youngsters coached by Richard include Forest Hills county player Jamie Dick, 15, Harry Butler and Jacob Ashdown from Ross Golf Club, George Burnett at St Pierre and Monmouth's Josh Davies.

Richard even arranged for the latter to caddy for Scott Drummond in France at the tender age of 16.

"There's a rich array of talent out there in the clubs," he said.