Davis (58), who tees off in the inaugural $30,000 City of Dunedin Legends Pro-Am at Balmacewen today, started his professional career in 1974 and had 28 tournament wins.
He had seven wins on the European tour, 19 on the PGA Tour of Australia and New Zealand, the Mauritius Open, and one win on the Champions Tour.
But there was also a down side.
Long golf tours abroad cost Davis his marriage to his wife Pam, when they separated after 37 years.
"It is important to do what you have [to] to play well," he said.
"You then jump on a plane and come home to be a family man. I've got two lovely daughters and two granddaughters. But in the end, it took its toll on Pam and myself.
"We didn't notice it, but slowly and surely we grew apart. Our likes and dislikes became different."
The key to his success on the professional circuit was to be an individual when on tour.
But it was also the hardest part of being a successful golf professional.
"If you played late in the day and you wanted to practise putts, you would have to renege from dinner engagements . . . and just take room service at the hotel," he said.
"I would tell my mates that I have to do some puts, some chipping or hit some balls. You have to do whatever it takes to make yourself play well."
Davis no longer travels to Europe and the United States, but is always prepared to play in tournaments in Australia and New Zealand.
"I don't see myself as a touring pro now," he said.
"I don't play in every event and I'll be cutting back even more. I have a few other interests and am staying at home more often."
During his time at the top Davis was noted for his bright clothing on the course.
He wore plus-fours until he retired from the Champions Tour in the United States in 2005.
"That was when the plus-fours retired with me," he quipped.
"They weren't a good-luck charm. They were extremely comfortable and I like wearing them."
He was also noted for harlequin-style socks with his name emblazoned on them.
This is the first time the Australasian Legends Tour has been to the South Island.
The tournaments at Queenstown and Millbrook were successful and Davis expects the same of the Dunedin event.
"I can only see the seniors tour getting bigger and bigger. We don't have to prove ourselves any more and when we finish our round, we can have a couple of beers with our playing partners," he said.
He sees the camaraderie as the key to the seniors tour.
"We can come in and talk to our playing partners," he said.
Forty-seven professionals and 120 golfers will play in today's first round.
Some of the professionals took part in coaching sessions with Otago juniors yesterday, and there was a thrill for Otago Boys High School pupil Cody McMullan (13), who was caddy for Sir Bob Charles for a practice round at Balmacewen.
