I mentioned last week how I enjoy playing this event and it was a good week out there. I have mixed emotions, as I was very happy with the number of birdies I made, but I made a few mistakes on two par 5’s that really cost me in the grand scheme of things.
Of course, it’s always wonderful to play Arnold’s event. We first played together in the US PGA at Bellerive Country Club in 1992, the year Nicky Price won his first major. For me, that was only my second appearance in a major since turning professional and Arnold couldn’t have been more of a gentleman, promising to invite me to his tournament the following year. Since then, as I’ve said before, I’ve enjoyed this tournament and the golf course. Being a two-time winner here makes it that extra bit special.
Anyway, just before this year’s tournament I saw Larry Rinker who is now teaching at the Ritz Carlton course in Orlando and we had a really good chat. We’ve known each other for 20-plus years; Larry played over 500 events out here so he knows what the game is all about and since finishing on TOUR he’s become a highly respected short game coach. He gave me a little tip on my putting and we got it rolling nicely on the greens at Bay Hill. I’m ranked number one on the PGA TOUR for the 20-25 foot range, so it’s good to see some of the results of the work I have been putting in.
Actually, my whole short game is starting to feel pretty sharp so that’s encouraging. Even holing that bunker shot for birdie on my final hole on Friday at Bay Hill was a bit like the old days! So all in all, I’m feeling good, feeling fit, enjoying myself and looking forward to playing some great golf this summer.
I have this week off as I build my schedule up before the Masters. It is a great tournament this week at San Antonio but sadly I can’t play them all and want to rest a little before a very tough stretch. This week off does also have the benefit of allowing me to stay up late and watch South Africa in the Cricket World Cup tonight, taking place in New Zealand. Not everyone will understand the allure of cricket but those that do will understand how exciting this game will be with two teams taking the field having played some amazing stuff over the last couple of weeks.
Schedule-wise, my next tournament is the Shell Houston Open, a strong tournament in its own right and one that has the added bonus of being what many consider the perfect prep for the Masters. Then after Augusta it’s the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town, so that’s a wonderful little stretch of tournaments for me.
If you fancy playing iconic courses such as Harbour Town, then check out the schedule for this year’s Golf Challenge. As well as several PGA TOUR stops, there are many major venues on the list and some other fine courses that might be local to you, too. The series tees off at Trump National Doral on 11 May. Click here to see the entire schedule and find out how you can enter.
On the subject of Els for Autism, this month’s Pro Am (pictured below) at beautiful Old Palm raised over $1.5 million. In the past seven years, since the event’s inception, the Pro Am has raised close to $7.5 million, which is both incredible and humbling. Thanks to the support of tour pros, amateurs, sponsors and donors, we’re making fantastic progress on site at the Els Center of Excellence.
That’s it for now. Follow me on Twitter @TheBig_Easy.
