I quit golf after becoming too SCARED to play… I ended up marrying Sky Sports News host and landing TV job

NICK DOUGHERTY was once playing with Tiger Woods and tipped as the next big thing in British golf.

But the tragic and sudden loss of his mother coupled with a downturn in form started a sad and painful demise as fear took over.

However, he reignited a career in golf by succeeding David Livingstone as the main presenter for Sky Sports' golf coverage.

And Dougherty also tied the knot, marrying Sky Sports News presenter and former amateur golfer Di Stewart - the ex-girlfriend of Jonny Wilkinson.

Dougherty, 41, will front this week's coverage of The Open for Sky - drawing on his intricate knowledge of the technical aspect of the game as well as his experience in front of the camera.

He has become a regular fixture for British golf fans over the years, especially around the four majors.

But, in one sense, it is bittersweet - for Dougherty could have still been competing for the trophies instead of fronting the TV coverage.

As an exciting junior and a protege of Nick Faldo, he won the Junior World Championship and was part of the Walker Cup-winning team.

And he made a smooth transition into the professional game in 2001, quickly gaining a place on the European Tour and being named Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.

A bout of glandular fever halted his progress but he earned his first pro victory in 2005 and broke into the world's top 100.

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Two years later, Dougherty led the US Open after the first round where he was a playing partner of Woods and went on to finish seventh, his best major result.

But the Masters 2008 proved a crucial turning point.

Dougherty said: “My biggest achievement, and something I’d love to do again, was playing with Tiger at the US Open. He was phenomenal that day.