Family guy Davis leads as stars struggle in strong wind

IT'S fascinating to note how off-course issues so frequently impact for better or worse on touring professionals.

Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke have been coping for some time with the fact that their nearest and dearest are battling serious illness. Tiger Woods is in a similar situation. Marriage break-up nearly caused the end of Colin Montgomerie's career. That's the negative side.

But there are many positives, too - as Brian Davis, the current leader of the Daily Telegraph Dunlop Masters at the Forest of Arden will testify.