Richie Ramsay - Race To Dubai Tour Blog

Richie Ramsay 3rd place. 2010 World Golf Championships - HSBC Champions

PLEASE CHOOSE A MONTH:

WGC - HSBC Champions
Sheshan International GC, Shanghai, China

Wednesday 10th November

After deciding to miss Valdarrama I made my way to China on the Saturday afternoon in order to arrive Sunday and have plenty of time to get over jet lag and acclimatise. I went through Dubai and fly on the new A380 which had a bar and lounge area at the back which was great. I managed to get some sleep on the plane and we eventually got to our hotel Sunday evening at 7pm after leaving the flat at 7am Saturday morning.

The course was set up well and the in good shape. The usual fast sloppy green where distance control would be key to giving yourself the best look at the hole for putts. After some light work Monday I pushed on and played 18 Tuesday. I didn't play the Wednesday pro-am as all the big guns were here by now. The atmosphere was great as the China fans turned out in numbers to watch and anytime Tiger turns up to play it adds something to the tournament.

The first 2 rounds went great compiling a 69 and 68 to be only 2 shots off the lead. I felt good and relaxed no worrying about anything and trying to take it one shot at a time. The greens were definitely firmer and faster make putting tough. I hit a lot of greens though and my pace putting was great and never really left myself much to do. On Saturday I was paired with Luke Donald and Ernie Els...great 3 ball. Ernie was his relaxed self and Luke showed me why is top the scrambling stats with some great up and downs from tough spots. He also holed out well and provided me with a good target for where I want to be in order to push up the world rankings. Playing with Ernie does put you at ease and there is no stress and his relaxed demeanour tends to rub off on you. I enjoyed the day immensely but still concentrated on the job at hand as I need a big tournament to push up the Race to Dubai rankings. After some media duties after I went through my usual routine of a light practice and good stretch to warm down from a long day.

71 Saturday and so Sunday began with a pressured packed day though this is where I can thrive. I was paired with Ernie again and Ross Fisher who I know pretty well so I felt comfortable in the group. A slow start but I found my way toward the tail end of the front 9. Westwood and Molinari pulled away so I simply picked off my shots and got in position to attack some flags. The back 9 on Sunday is where you want to be and felt confident and in a positive mind frame. A steady back nine of 1 under was good under pressure which I enjoyed all the way to 18. 71 and a tie for 3rd place with Luke Donald. Race to Dubai secure and target for the year accomplished.

We had the presentation then after that I went to get some food and Lee Westwood, Simon Khan and Chubby (Lee manager) were sitting have dinner. I joined them for some food and a cheeky beer. Great banter to finish off the day.

Thanks to everyone for all there kind email and texts. Onwards to Singapore and the heat.

CASTELLÓ MASTERS Costa Azahar
Club de Campo del Mediterráneo,Castellón, Valencia, Spain

Wednesday 3rd November

We are at Sergio Garcia's home course this week in Castellón outside Valencia. I played here last year and the course is not long but short and tricky. It can play firm as well making scoring in places hard. One of the toughest thing about Castellón is none of the restaurants open till 9pm at night therefore getting dinner when you have an early tee off is very difficult! The week went well and only missed 10 greens all week but just couldn't make any putts which led to a mountain of frustration. 22 putts on the front 9 on Sunday after hitting every green made life tough, although I played well on the back 9 to only shoot +1 with 36 putts so that tells you a lot of my game tee to green.

I was glad to see Matteo win his first tournament as he is a good kid at only 17 years old and surely his game with mature with age. This win and exemption will give him time to hone his skills. Also, his caddie Ryan is a good friend on tour and deserves his big break. Winning is great and although it sometimes just looks like it is the players doing all the work having a good caddie down the stretch to say the right things and keep you focused is essential.

After Castellón I made my way to Valdarrama, though just for one day. I decided to miss the Andalucia Masters as I have a World Golf Event in Shanghai and the time changed is very difficult. If I was to play in Spain then I wouldn't get to China by Tuesday afternoon and won't be in the pro-am on the Wednesday so therefore I need to get there at the latest Monday evening. It is difficult to miss such a big tournament but I cannot play 7 tournaments in a row.

I have reverted back to my old 2 Thumb grip after testing out the left below right grip for 2 tournaments. Although my pace had been really good my short putting has been very poor and cost me so many strokes in Portugal and Valencia. After Valderrama I went down to Puerto Banus...not for nights out. I did 2 days for my main sponsor the Craig Group at Aloho Golf Club and La Zagelata. The latter was a fantastic place set in the hills north of Puerto Banus. 2 rolling courses through the mountains with magnificent views down to the sea and out to the Rock of Gibraltar in the distance. After getting here I have rested up and prepared for China as the wind and rain here made practice a non-event. Off to China Saturday and probably my biggest tournament of the year so far with a large purse, a great course and lots of world ranking points on offer.

DUNHILL CHAMPIONSHIP
Fife, Scotland

Friday 1st October

The Dunhill is a fun week with the pro-am format and the 3 great courses in St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. Though wrapping up warm is a must so I had half my wardrobe up with me. I was partnered with Alan Hansen so was looking forward to that. Carnoustie was our first course on the rota and where I played really well though some poor chipping let me down around the turn. Alan was playing well and pushing the team score on well. I rebounded well to shoot 5 under on the front 9, my back nine for 69. Anytime you shoot under par at Carnoustie it is a good day. Onto Kingsbarns and a windy cold day where woolly hats and mitts were a must. Poor play and some very poor short game cost me dearly on a tough day. My partner played well and used his 2 shots well to get some birdies on the board. Alan played off 3 and can really send his driver long so off the forward tees he took advantage of this. We had a good chat on the way round about all the football and his hometown of Sauchie near Alloa as I went to the University of Stirling just along the road. St Andrews for round 3 and a good score to push through as only the top 60 make the final day as opposed to top 65 normally. I played well all day with Alan tearing it up with 2 net eagles and a gross eagle 2 on 10 after hitting his driver to 6 feet...my kind of partner. I holed a 20 footer on the last for 3 which I though was to make the cut at plus 1 but ended up just missing out. A disappointing finish though glad under what pressure I thought I holed the putt. A net 61 for our team pushed us way up so I still had to play Sunday for the team.

Saturday night there was a fantastic fireworks display over the Old Course. Mr Johan Rupurt from Dunhill always does a great job in making the players and amateurs feel welcome. The tournament is one of the best run through the year with the gala dinner after the fireworks. With St Andrews being setting it all adds up to a tournament we in Scotland should be very proud to host.

More play like Saturday from Alan helped Sunday though I missed a barrel load of putts so we could only finish 9th though still a good result. I got to play with Monty of Sunday too which was a pleasure. It was good to see his game and obviously have a chat after last weeks heroics at Celtic Manor. It was a fun week and with Ruud Gullit and Sir Bobby Charlton are other 2 amateurs over the 3 it made for a fun week. Ruud was a great laugh and golf mad. I always saw him on the range working hard the whole week. Sir Bobby is simply a legend of the game of was great to meet him as the other team apart from Aberdeen I support are Manchester United.

RYDER CUP
Celtic Manor, Wales

Friday 1st October

Next up is the Ryder Cup with the US again underdogs as the Europeans possibility have their strongest ever team. The Americans can't be underestimated. Monty of course leads the way and from all the reports on how well he handled the Asia v Europe Captaincy he should do a great job. The rookies on the European side still have great experience and I would expect every player to participate fully unless and injury prevents this. The US rookies are young and fearless however I would still fancy the Europeans to just edge it. If your a betting man past history suggests this but can see it going down to one of the final 4 matches come Sunday. Great viewing expected for sure.

FEX EX CUP
Atlanta, USA

Thursday 30th September

With being in Atlanta all the talk over here was of the Tour Championship being held at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. This last Fed Ex Cup event at the home of Bobby Jones allows someone to walk away with $10million dollar bonus.

I went down to the US Tour Van for TaylorMade to get some changes to my putter to test some things out here while I was on a break. The course look in superb conditions though firm which would make it tough to shoot low numbers.

Matt Kucher led the standings and he is a member of the Golf Club of Georgia where I play. He didn't play that well and Jim Furyk just beat the Luke Donald by a shot to walk away with both the Tour Champions ($1.35m) and the Fed Ex Cup ($10m) so a hell of a payday.

TOUR UPDATE
Atlanta, USA

Thursday 30th September

The last 2 weeks I have been in Atlanta relaxing and practicing in good weather for the final push in the season. I am in a good position as it stands though there are a lot of big tournaments at the tail end of the season which will decide the Race to Dubai.

I have decided to spend more time in the states especially during the winter months as I feel better prepared heading into tournaments. It allows me to practice in similar conditions to the tournaments we play in and with a higher level of confidence. With such a worldwide schedule and a lot of potential for more Asian tournaments playing in warm weather and various types of grasses will help achieve better results. Playing around the world over the last 8 years in amateur and professionals has allowed me a greater insight to what attributes you need to be successful in this game. Mental and Short game are clearly top of this list.

THE BARCLAYS SCOTTISH OPEN
Loch Lomond GC,Glasgow,Scotland

Monday 11th July

One of the biggest tournaments for me this week as I am at home. Loch Lomand is a beautiful course and again they had done well to get it in such good condition as they had to dig up 4 greens in the last few months because of the terrible winter. The players are treated so well this week and everyone agrees it is always in the top 3 tournaments we play. Another really good field as plenty of the worlds top 50 prepare for the Open and cold conditions of Scotland. The forecast had been poor all week and so it proved with rain and gusting winds making the course play really tough the first 2 days but more was come.

I had been given a great draw playing Vijay Singh and Retief Goosen who I met probably a few weeks ago at an Adidias pro-am. A quiet character though just like all the top players out there you can see the desire to win. You don't win 2 US Open with that. Each had there own game with Vijay more of a left right player and the "Goose" working the ball the other way. Again, contrasting style on the green as Vijay employed the long putter and Retief the belly putter. I thought he looked good over the ball as I had actually type him to do well in the majors this year. He did show his class with some great touches around the green in gusty conditions. He chipped well and went through a few spells flagging it. Though I did match him in places with some great ball striking in day 1 and good chipping in day 2 to get my comfortably inside the cut line.

The weekend provided another mixed bag but I enjoyed good support as I played with double DD David Drysdale and we both played solid but again I felt I had been leaving shots on the course as a 3under 69 could have been 66 with a few putts. I would press on Sunday and get it going though...

Sunday the weather was shocking, gusting 40mph winds and driving squalls of rain didn't make it easy and my putter decided to get in on the act 4 3 putts. A frustrating day when I really wanted to give the home support something to cheer I move backwards..........never good!!!! Sometime you just have to let it happen and pushing to hard makes things harder. Though another good tournament which could be so much better. The big positive is though if i can finish inside the top 40 not putting well and holing a few I will vault up and chase the leaders.

ALSTOM OPEN DE FRANCE
Le Golf National,Paris,France

Monday 5th July

We are just outside Paris to play Le Golf National which is on on the candidates for the 2018 Ryder Cup. The course is one of the best on tour normally playing firm and fast. It is like an inland links course with lots of water on the final few holes so a lot of pin point irons are needed. The tour has done well with a great field as some players start to begin the Open preparation early but heading back to Europe from the states.

This course really suits me and I feel good despite last weeks poor showing. You definitely need to hit it straight here as the rough is similar to the thick jungle you find at the Open. With temperatures set to soar finding the fairway will be a major benefit to gain control into the greens and attack the flags.

The first 2 rounds gave me a mixed bag as I struggled to get momentum with birdies though a long string of pars was okay and patience was called. I played solid though I felt my ball striking was really good giving me the confidence to go at some pins and give myself the opportunities. Like I said before the last few holes on Friday was treacherous and played them really well and holed a god solid 6 foot putt on the last to make sure of a weekend of work. It was a long day as I teed off at 2pm and eventually finished at 9.15pm was a storm came through the course. It poured down as we all rushed to the clubhouse. During delays most people relax maybe watch some TV, go get some food or have a nap. We are allowed back to the range for 30 min's to warm up again and you have to mentally adjust and begin getting back into scoring mind set after the break.

I knew on this type of course 2 rounds on Saturday and Sunday was mean a good vault up the leaderboard so worked really hard on my putting Friday to ensure the weekend was successful. More short game in the morning and the best round of the week lay ahead however I still feel there is a lower score in the bag as my irons are allowing me plenty of chances. Sunday was a poor round mentally and physically as I struggled with my confidence for some reason and let some shots slip over the last few holes missing a top 20 spot which would have been justice for my hard work over the passed 2 weeks.

On and upwards as a quick shower jumped in a car to the airport as the next day I was at the Carrick at Loch Lomond for Paul Lawrie's Pro-am to help support Adam Hunter who was diagnosed with leukaemia recently but is fighting hard in recovery now.

A windy day though thanks to Ellies, Davie and Lindsey my playing partners who were good banter the whole day as I had to take a cart since I sliced one of my toes in the morning. It was a good day and everyone enjoyed supporting such a worthy cause.

BMW INTERNATIONAL OPEN
Golf Club München Eichenried, Munich, Germany

Monday 27th June

My first tournament back after a short break to rest up before we enter a serious part of the season as the prize funds and field strengths rise. With Greame McDowell winning a great US Open much of the talk on tour was focused on how good European Golf is. With McIlroy and Westwood winning as well with European contingent of players are showing their ability on the world stage. This will be reflected in the strength of our Ryder Cup which I feel will be the hardest to get into for some time. The depth of talent we have in Europe is exceptional and Monty will have a tough time picking the team.

At Munich BMW allow you to test drive some of their top cars such as the M3 and M6 models which are great to drive. Rapid response when you put your foot down and great handling, with all the gadgets you will ever want. A good finish this week and I may be tempted!!!!

Round 1 was poor from a scoring perspective as I simply couldn't get the ball in the hole as my putter went ice cold. Frustrating though I still tried hard to keep plugging away to work hard for every shot. a 3 over par 75 was the result on a day where scores where low as no wind and a soft course made for lots of birdies.

A much better round 2 where I fought hard again and converted some chances on the greens gave me a 4 under par 68, however this wasn't good enough to keep me working the weekend. Time to get some good practice and prepare for France next week. The World Cup was on and with Germany playing England it was a good place to be a Scot.

Congratulations went to David Horsey on his maiden win. I played a practice round with the "horse" and after knocking on the door a few times it was good to see him pick off a big tournament. This will open many doors and with his solid game and great ability in the greens he will likely go from strength to strength.

On Sunday night I headed to the Adidias HQ just outside Nuremberg as we had a TaylorMade pro am the next day. At night we watched the Germany v England match in the hotel and Michael Ballack was there sitting next to me a Germany thumped England. He played in the Pro Am the next day along with Retief Goosen, Sergio Garcia and Adidias ambassador Franz Beckanabaur. A blue sky day for the golf and then we were taking on a fantastic tour around Adidias HQ. We walked the Hall of Fame where all there famous sports stars have shoes, Muhammad Ali, David Beckham, Jesse Owens, Lionel Messi. Also, we were taking into the Y3 and Porsche Design areas which was great to see all the new gear from some of the collaborations. A kick about with the new World Cup ball on the 5 a side pitch within Sergio Garcia, Anders Hanson, Simon Kahn, Greame Storm to name a few was fun and then some dinner at night for the pro-am prizes. It was a fun day to see all that Adidias have to offer and the effort,design and detail that goes into all the products.

Time for bed though as 5am bus to the airport to head to France.

BMW ITALIAN OPEN
Royal Park Golf & Country Club, Torino, Italy

Monday 17th May

I landed in Turin with rain pouring down and for the best part of 48 hours it simply wouldn't stop. The course was saturated and I honestly couldn't see a way that we were going to get 72 holes in. I didn't even play a practice round though after walking it and playing last year I still felt comfortable starting the tournament.

The course itself is a fantastic layout with a great reward for accurate solid play on offer and penal rough for any wayward shot. So again this should suit my game. The addition of the new TaylorMade Supertri Driver made me even more confident as I found I flighted it higher allowing a greater carry distance, which was all important with the wet conditions. I was paired with Paul Lawrie and Thomas Levet in the first 2 rounds. This was the first time we had played together in competition and he showed his class around the greens. His chipping was flawless and holed a few long putts to card a 6 under 66, to tie the clubhouse lead. I didn't play that great hitting a few loose shots, mostly coming from mental errors. However, it was satisfying to keep my score to 1 over considering the way I played. My short game was again sharp in the 2nd round to make the cut on the mark will a 8 foot birdie putt on the last hole providing me with a weekends work.

I can honestly say this was the most consistent I have putting for 2 rounds. This boosted my confidence and allowed my to go into the weekend on a very positive note with the momentum from round 2 still fresh in my mind. The green staff had done an incredible job with the greens considering the amount of rain over the first 2 round and by now the course had started to dry up. The scoring conditions Saturday were good but I played some of the best golf this season to shot a 7 under par 65 which could have been less as I gave myself chance after chance to move up the board. A battling sunday 71 put my in a tie for 13th place. A solid finish in a week where I did not hit it that great but for once my scoring ability was pretty good. It is getting to that part of the season where the big tournaments come along so a fine time to hit some form.

I have to mention Rory's great win on the PGA Tour the other week. He had come in for some harsh criticism recently following what was a poor run of form by his high standards. Again, he showed his true class by just getting on with the game and proving to some writers his sheer class with a Sunday 62. He has so much ability and with more experience of playing Augusta I can definitely see a Green Jacket for him. It is a big shout though he is that good!

I have the week off to rest my neck which has been bothering me for a while now with all the travel. Next up is the BMW Championship at Wentworth so with all the big guns out and large purse definitely time to keep those putts dropping.

OPEN DE ESPAÑA
Real Club de Golf de Sevilla, Seville, Spain

Monday 10th May

I decided to go direct to Seville from Atlanta via London after the extra weeks layover in Atlanta. However, my clubs and luggage didn't have the same agenda. I had to go out and buy clothes and couldn't really practice so just walked the holes to became familiar with the course and greens from last year. The course itself is one of the best we play all year and the rough is very thick is accurate driving is a must to be successful around it. This suits my game so felt I could have a good performance around here and with the new putter make some putts to. 2 days later my clubs and luggage turned up to my relief and I finally got some practice it.

Round 1 I played nice and holed some good putts to shot 3 under in tricky conditions as the wind swirled. It felt good going into the day after all my practice in the states. Day 2 was different as I struggled slightly but keep my score going with some good pitching and putting to make the cut easily. It was good to play the weekend on the first tournament back and validate flying all the way over to the states to practice. Day 3 i felt I could have made the move up the leaderboard but just couldn't get the score going as I played while but struggled around the green where only 24 hours previously I had done well. Golf is indeed a strange game and just when you think you have a hold of it, it bites back.

Day 4 and i got to play with Miguel Angel Jimenez who I have already played with once this year. Jimenez makes the most of his game and plays with experience on his side. His does not hit the ball great distances but when it comes to short clubs he is one of the best. With Sunday pins tucked in the corners and over the water he had no fear at going at every one, mostly with the same result...a birdie. It was great to watch and shows that length is not everything. This also shows his mental strength of firing at pins with all the trouble around them. Your short clubs out on tour have to be good and after working with Bob Rotella I have become more confident and direct at attacking flag with my short irons. Zoning in on the flag helps rack up those birdies out here is the only way to do well and push up the leaderboard. If you look on a Sunday at the top tens players in a tournament they will all generally be several under par.

A tie for 37th on my return was not bad after a final day 73. On to Turin and the Italian Open to another lovely course where I will aim to push on and cut out the little errors which such a big difference.

TOUR UPDATE
Georgia, USA

Monday 10th May

I have been really busy traveling after my last tournament in Malaga. I went out to the states to work on my game and see my girlfriend on a 2 week break. The tour went east to China and South Korea and felt I should rest up for the important middle to end part of the season. Luckily for me I choose to do this as my exemption has given me the freedom to pick and choose my events.

I again practiced out at the Golf Club of Georgia in the sunshine while I heard reports of light snow at home. Though my plans were changed as this Icelandic Volcano pushed my return flight back meaning I had to stay out there longer. This was not a hardship though and as so many people were stuck around the world. I took advantage of this time be heading down to Reynolds Plantation which is a huge resort between Atlanta and Augusta. It boost 7 courses and a Ritz Carlton hotel alongside a large lake. A great facility where TaylorMade have a custom fit centre which I visited to work on my new wedges with changeable faces. Also, I had a new putter built with a slightly different loft and lie which I feel more comfortable over the ball with. The roll the is good and my set up more upright to allow my eyes to be directly over the ball.

TOUR UPDATE
Golf Club of Georgia, Atlanta, USA

Friday 19th March

I decided to take time off and go to the states to practice. There was only 1 tournament in the past 4 weeks in Malaysia and felt working on my game now would be of more benefit come the middle and end part of the season.

I went to the Golf Club of Georgia in Atlanta and although colder than usual I still got some good practice in and played plenty of games with the members to remain sharp. One of the main reasons for visiting was so that I could make the short journey down to West Palm Beach to see a good friend Dick Gilbert and spend time with Bob Rotella.

OPEN DE ANDALUCIA DE GOLF
Parador de Málaga Golf, Málaga, Spain

Monday 12th April

I eventually got my clubs in Malaga after them going astray on the flight from Morocco. Some good practice and plenty of time on the putting green to make sure I felt good for the tournament. More sunshine for the tournament as I heard reports from back home it is still cold. There is a good breeze making its way across the course for the opening days as the course sits down on the beach only 10 minutes from the airport, which always makes it a lot easier.

The first 2 days I played lovely and didn't chip that well costing myself too many shots. I also added a fine snap hook from a mental error on 8 in day 1 to but made a great 3 with my second ball to limit the damage. After a long wait on the Friday evening I eventually scraped into the final 2 days. I feared another missed cut by one after Morocco last week where I did play well.

Going into the weekend I wanted to make the most of getting in and shoot up the leaderboard. I felt my game was in good shape and wanted to be positive out on the course. I felt good both Saturday and Sunday but things just didn't go my way and I got frustrated which as my short game killed me. Sunday was the first time in a long time I became totally clueless around the greens. I was embarrassed with my chipping and cost myself at least 4 drops because of it. Shots that are of pretty simple I would hit to 15ft. I tried to be positive and still keeping plugging away however with my playing partners getting up and down I felt as if nothing was going my way. You start thinking you have to hit it stiff to make a birdie and if you miss a green its a sure fire bogey.

Walking off on Sunday my head was in a spin and totally unclear how to turn my short game woes around and produce the scoring I am capable of. When you putt and chip well the pressure disappears on the rest of your game and that is something I intend to do.

After doing some work with Bob Rotella I do feel better but every short game mistake feels like another dent in the confidence and I need to stop thinking on such a results based focus. Work on the process and get that right and the results will take care of itself.

These next few months will be the ultimate test as I work to be the best player I can be.

TOUR UPDATE
Golf Club of Georgia, Atlanta, USA

Friday 19th March

I had a great 3 days and learned a lot about my mental attitude around the greens and where my head got on the way of me making a free and fluent stroke. Too much concentration on my result and not enough on the process. I took this and some other ideas Bob and I discussed into games when I got back to Atlanta and definitely found an improvement. I am getting the ball to the hole more and my ability to putt with a more care free approach is greater. Earlier in the week he had been working with Ernie Els and I would say his recent win at the CA Championship in Miami was no coincidence. Golf is such a mental sport so practicing your mental side is just as important as smashing hundreds of balls on the range.

I returned to Scotland to prepare for Morocco. My belief is better now and hope this will improve my scoring and short game statistics. It is not something that can happen overnight but I feel I am on the right track to improving my weakness on the green. I am always looking for ways to improve and looking at my statistics on tour it is plain to see where I can make a difference.

Hopefully this difference will arrive sooner rather than later!

AVANTHA MASTERS
DLF Golf and Country Club, New Delhi, India

Sunday 14th February

After arriving midday on the Monday I took it easy in the hotel and did some gym work at night and would start my preparation in the morning. I played 9 holes and walked 9 holes and took the course in to find the best way to score around it. A good course that I liked though it wasn't too long, it was fairly tight. With a lot of grain on the greens the putting would also but difficult. A good days practice and the fun began on the way home. The traffic in Delhi is crazy as mopeds dart in and out of the traffic. Cows drift onto the road and there seems to be no hesitation in cutting up and drifting in between the lanes. Lucky for us, we were in a bus heading back to the hotel and felt safer as we were the biggest vehicle on the road.

The food at both the hotel and golf club was good but I did play it safe most of the week with pasta, then found a great restaurant on the top of the hotel with great steaks. A little pricey but even a tight scotsman can't put a price on some great food and a full stomach. You learn traveling the the world what things agree with you and what don't so with this week greater attention had to be paid as we were even cleaning our teeth with bottled water so we didn't catch anything. I once picked up food poisoning in Columbia playing in the Challenge Tour. I feels shocking to catch this when you are home but to be out of your comfort zone, half way around the world make it that bit worse. So been careful this week was a must.

A good day at the pro-am on the Wednesday and I was set for the tournament. More wacky races on the roads again as we hit rush hour on the way home.

The first 2 days and I really hit the way well but couldn't convert all the chances I created. I felt a low one was there if I could take my chances, I would move up the leaderboard. It became frustrating but I pushed on and tried to look at the positives as I found my wedges were a lot better and hitting it closer.

I had a putt on the last green to get a top ten but it came up short from only 8 feet and it would sum up my week. Good but not good enough. To win you really need to hole the putts and I failed this week with that. One less putt and I would have tied for 2nd place a good illustration of how improving some areas even slightly make a big difference overall. My break begins now, as I take a month off as there is only one tournament. I will look to improve my game for the middle to end part of the season where the big tournaments are and hope to pick up another title.

OMEGA DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC
Emirates GC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Sunday 7th February

The last tournament of the Desert Swing is in Dubai at the Emirates Hills Club. The Desert Classic is a tournament I have wanted to play for a long time with a great course and list of champions. After some good play in Qatar I was more upbeat entering this tournament and felt the course suited my game slightly more. The rough is really thick and lush so will being straight off the tee this week will be a key factor.

After some good practice on Tuesday my neck had been giving me problems and after an early 5.30 am wake call I went to the physio's before my warm up for the pro-am. After releasing some strain muscles in my neck it felt better but still not that confident to hit full drivers so had to pull out of the pro-am. This was disappointing though I had to be fully fit to compete in the tournament. I had been given a great draw with Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher who i knew from playing before.

Thursday and my neck felt better but still not 100%. I played okay and managed to shoot 1 under on a tough day where the swirling wind and thick rough made the scoring difficult. I really enjoyed playing in the TV group with Martin and Ross and had a chat with each as we played. It was great to watch Martin especially after winning in Abu Dhabi to go to a career high 6th in the World Rankings. He is a solid player with a constant fade though his putting was the most impressive and threatened the hole a lot from any distance.

Friday and my neck still not great but I could play. Not a good day at the office as I holed nothing all day after some poor golf in places. The putter was ultimately going to cost me dearly as I missed the cut by one to have the weekend off. It was frustrating as I felt it was a course I could do well on and with such a strong field the world ranking points were really high. With the weekend off I decided to rest my neck from hitting lots of balls but spend some good time on the putting green working on my weaknesses. After each 2 hr session I felt more confident as India would be my last week.

Outside the golf we went to the Emirates Mall most nights to get some food as it was close to the hotel. It has a indoor ski slope which looked great fun but with already one injury I was skeptical of getting another if I went out on the snow. I caught up with 2 good University from Jen and Whipper and went down to the World Tallest Building Burj Kalifa. A the bottom there is a huge pool with the worlds biggest fountain display with music and lights. It is well worth going to see this and there are plenty of good places to eat which give you a view of the display as you eat.

Next on the list is Delhi for my first experience of India and the last tournament in my 4 week run, so a good final week to finish

COMMERCIALBANK QATAR MASTERS PRESENTED BY DOLPHIN ENERGY
Doha GC, Doha, Qatar

Sunday 31st January

I have never been to Qatar before but had heard good reports about the course. The city has an impressive skyline with huge tall buildings with plenty of more looking to go up.

The course was in good condition with a strong wind drifting through the course. Since I have been in the desert I have realised that the combination of wind, sand and sun makes visibility difficult and have played with sunglasses. I feel it makes a definite difference and also aids me on the greens. Since many of these courses have grain on the greens which affects the ball having I glasses on let's me distinguish how the putt may move better.

On Tuesday evening we had a small media training day for TaylorMade with Garcia, Kaymer and all the staff players there. It was making sure we all have the knowledge of the new products on the market. One interesting thing was that they have challenged all players with a keepie up challenge with a football as Adidas who are part of TaylorMade will make the official football for the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa. We watched a video of Sergio keeping the ball up 119 times so I have that to beat this season!

Thursday the wind was up and I played really well to shoot 2 under to t-8. The rough is really up and made scoring really tough so driving it well was key and I made some nice putts from inside 10ft to keep the momentum of the round going. Friday and a 1 over par 73 but some silly mistakes were made which cost me 3 or 4 shots. This is simply down to some rust still in the game but made my way to the range to iron them out. First cut of 2010 under the belt and push hard on the weekend.

Saturday and Sunday were a mixed bag where Sunday could have been really low but couldn't take my chances. At this level players putting is so good, it normally makes the difference between a middle of the pack finish and a top 10.

My game overall is improving and this had helped my confidence more so feel more competitive when I get on that first tee. Next up is Dubai for me and the Emirates Hills course. I have always wanted to play their after watching it on TV in years gone by. With another strong field it will be a challenging week but after getting some practice in Monday I feel it is a course that suits my game with more heavy and an eye for a draw off the tee.

ABU DHABI GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Sunday 24th January

First tournament of the year and it was great to be back in short sleeves after watching the snow fall for most the time i was home. The Middle East swing of tournaments which include Qatar and Dubai all have strong fields and plenty of world ranking point on offer. The courses as well are similar in set up and provide a stern test.

My game doesn't feel too bad and it i just a case of getting the feel back with the short game as the greens here are slick. The rough is up as well and if you miss the fairways you can struggle to reach the greens. With some tight pins and some breeze across the desert all aspects of your game with will test here.

My game for the tournament went well though my short game rust was exposed as I had 35 putts in round 1. I struck the ball well though missed several chances and felt upbeat after some work with the putter. Day 2 and it was a poor start then I came to life on the back 9 and would have been 5 under for my backside apart from a silly 3 putt though i had to attack the putts as I was chasing the cut line.

Both rounds I played well though the short game was not up to scratch. Ian Poulter played in front of me and could see him picking the ball out of the whole a lot. He has been in Florida enjoying the sun and good practice facilities, so he can hit the ground running at the start of the season. With no practice for a month it was hard to compete.

I did some practice afterwards and hit the gym in my days off to get in the best possible shape for Qatar. I have 3 more weeks on the road and getting back into the swing of things which should hopefully reflect in my scoring

Q&A SINCE THE WIN

Wednesday 20th January

I've been asked a lot of questions since I got back from South Africa, so here are a few answers to help with that.

If you have any other questions you can get in touch through my new Facebook Fan Page

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE THE WIN?

I have taken it very easy and enjoyed the moment. My girlfriend was over from America so showed her a lot of Scotland in the snow!! I am eager to get back into it now and can't wait for the Middle East swing.

NEW GROOVES?

I did have the new grooves on wedges in South Africa and they do make a noticeable difference. The ball simply does not spin as much making accessing pin and getting up and down harder. Laying up on par 5 to a good distance will become more crucial and I think this will help the shotmakers more.

TIGER WOODS RETURN?

Nobody knows when he will come back.

MOVING TO EDINBURGH?

I will be based in Edinburgh as I feel that it is better location for all the travel I do. I will always be a "loon" thought but I enjoy Edinburgh and have friends down there who live and work close by.

WHAT WERE YOU THINKING ON THAT 3 WOOD IN THE PLAY OFF?

I knew I had the ability to hit that shot it was just a matter of executing it. I hit it flush right down my line. A great example where believing in myself makes a huge difference.

WHAT DID SANTA BRING?

Entourage box set for life on the road.

MY RYDER CUP CHANCES?

This is a long way off but never say never. European Golf is in a great position at the moment where we have so many strong players and I am sure whatever team Monty puts together great.

SOUTH AFRICAN OPEN CHAMPION 2009
Pearl Valley Golf Estates Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa

Sunday 20th December

The course is set in the valley of the Franschoek Mountains alongside countless vineyards. It is truly a great spot and the area is know for its food as well with great meals every night for a third of the price you would pay back home.

My practice had gone well and this reflected in the way I played out on the course through the tournament. I felt relaxed but confident within myself. Going into Sunday I knew a low score would give me an outside chance.

I simply played great the last day finding that fine line between patience and aggression when tackling the final day pin positions. Coming down 17th I knew I had a shot at getting my first title and the second shot I hit from the rough just cleared the water by 2 yards........... my heart did skip a beat as I thought is was going to come up just short. From there the only thing I could see was the ball going in the hole dead weight inside right. I fine fist pump on 17th and on to 18 where I knew birdie would apply the pressure to everyone else on the course. A par 5 was all I could managed to a wait to see if I could get in the play off.

THE PLAY OFF

My mind had only one thing on it...WIN. Chances like this don't come along that often but after Shiv hit his tee shot just left I had a slight advantage. He pitched out and with 260 yards to the flag I hit probably one of the best shots of my life at the most crucial time. The satisfaction of hitting that shot under intense pressure is so rewarding and makes all the practice worth while. 12 feet left to cosy down to the hole and I was South Africa Open Champion 2010.

Simply the best feeling ever!!!! The champagne flowed afterwards and some emotional phone calls to friends and family. This is when it probably hit me and I will admit to being a bit of a bubbly mess...in a good way on the phone to my brother.

Onto the hospitality tent and just like an F1 driver got to spray the champagne over all the volunteers, apologies guys!

Thanks you to everyone for all your kind texts, emails and letters and will carry on to get title no 2!

ALFRED DUNHILL CHAMPIONSHIP
Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, South Africa

Sunday 13th December

I decided to play the first 2 tournaments of the 2010 season in South Africa as I have been down there before and know the courses. Both are challenging in different ways though each are set in fantastic surroundings.

Set in the North-West alongside the Kruger National Park is meanders through the wild jungle and hunting for golf balls is not advisable here!!! Although I missed the cut by 2 shots I felt I played well with just some rust in the game after the break. Simple mistakes that could be corrected easily. I did some good training in the gym before I fly down to Cape Town for the South African Open.