"I didn’t want to look like the fat one amongst the friends": Chris Dobey buoyed by Nathan Aspinall's wedding and stag do to shed the pounds

Chris Dobey has taken a hard look at his preparation. The Englishman, currently ranked world number twelve, wants to be physically stronger to improve his stage performances on a consistent basis. A striking trigger gave him the final push: Nathan Aspinall’s bachelor party in Ibiza.

With a wink, “Hollywood” admits he doesn’t want to show up as the least fit of the group. Still, the core of his decision lies in sporting ambition. Over recent years, Dobey noticed that the long matchdays on the European Tour took their toll.

“It’s key. I have struggled in the past. On the final day of a European Tour, it does take it out of you. I thought I had to change something. I know Nathan’s getting married this year and we’re going to Ibiza for his stag do as well, so that was it," said Dobey to Tungsten Tales. "I didn’t want to look like the fat one amongst the friends, so that was something I had to change. Jokes aside, preparation is key. I’m starting to eat a bit healthier as well and just trying to put something right for a change. Hopefully it will pay off in my performances.”

Behind the humour sits a more serious plan. Dobey has adjusted his diet and is working more specifically on his physical readiness. He believes staying sharp deep into long matchdays is essential if he is to add more stage titles to his tally.

“Preparation is key coming into events like this. I’ve just got to let my guard go rather than put any pressure on myself. I know I’m capable of winning these events. I’ve won on stage before. I’ve played my best, so why not start performing on these and start winning?”

The change comes at a time when Dobey is on an upward curve. He claimed a Players Championship title earlier this season and continues to show strong floor form. Yet his hunger is far from satisfied.

A European Tour title is still missing from his résumé. Dobey has reached just one final on this circuit in the past and wants to put that right.

“100 per cent. I want to start winning these. I’ve only made one final European Tour in the past and I want to put that right and start winning them rather than just making the odd semi-final and final here and there. It’s a good start, a good performance and why not win my first European Tour?”

With a packed schedule and prize money to defend, Dobey knows consistency will be decisive in the months ahead.

“I’m just going to play in everything. I’m defending a bit this year. I had a good year a couple of years back, so I’m defending a bit. I’ll knuckle down and put the practice in. Like I say, I’m going to start coming to all these and all the ProTours and put it right and hopefully get back to where I should be.”